KATHMANDU, APRIL 16

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has directed the schools that operate within the metropolis to suspend classes for a week if an active case of Covid-19 is detected among the students, teachers and other school staff.

It has further asked the concerned stakeholders to conduct classes via alternative means in case such a scenario develops.

In the same line, the KMC has asked the schools without active infection cases to strictly follow Covid-19 safety protocol in a bid to curb the spread of potential breakout.

As confusion looms with the central government not issuing any decision on the matter - with the Health Ministry recommending closure of schools, among other measures, and other authorities not being in tandem by not responding to the appeal - the local governments have taken it upon themselves to address the situation regarding whether or not to continue operation of educational institutions.

Following an increase in number of reported cases in Banke, Nepalgunj sub-metropolis Crisis Management Committee meeting held on Thursday also decided to close all educational institutions for a week effective from Friday.

The Health Ministry on Thursday had urged people in 14 districts most affected by the recent wave of infections, Kathmandu among them, to avoid crowds at places including schools.