KATHMANDU, JANUARY 16

As the Omicron COVID-19 variant continues to spread in the country, the government today ordered adherence to health protocols and limited gatherings in public places.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki told media persons at a press conference here today that the government decided to close cinema halls, gyms, health clubs, and private tuition centres until January 29.

The government urged people not to organise in-person seminars, conferences, or meetings till February 12, but if they have to do so, they should not invite more than 25 people and must conduct antigen tests before allowing participants into meeting halls.

The government has also decided to close college classes until January 29, but has allowed colleges to enrol students and conduct pre-announced examinations by maintaining safety protocols and physical distancing rules.

The government also decided to limit the number of people inside a shopping mall or a department store to 25. The government order states that it shall be the mall operators' duty to ensure health protocols in malls.

Minister Karki said gatherings at party venues and religious functions should not exceed 50 people. Places of worship should scale down activities and encourage only regular worship till February 12, he added.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 17, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.