Flights to at least six destinations to resume
KATHMANDU, JUNE 17
Almost two-months after the imposition of Covid-19 prohibitory period, government authorities have decided to make a shift towards smart-lockdown in a bid to 'smartly' manage the ongoing pandemic crisis.
The COVID-19 Management Steering Committee has decided to make some changes in the ongoing prohibitory order and implement 'smart lockdown' in a bid to facilitate daily lives of people and the economy as a whole.
A meeting of the committee chaired by Prime Minister KP at his Baluwatar residence on Wednesday decided to ease restrictions on economic activities including the production and supply of essential commodities adhering to safety guidelines.
Likewise, the meeting also decided to resume flights to Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan and Malaysia keeping in mind the large number of Nepali migrant workers that leave for these destinations for employment opportunities.
The committee has decided that the flights need to operate in a way to ensure that only a maximum of 2,000 passengers arrive from these countries in a week.
Furthermore, it has also been decided that the government would provide financial assistance to migrant workers that cannot pay for their stay at dedicated quarantine facilities, by paying for at least 10 days, of 15 required days, of quarantine upon arrival.
Under the smart lockdown, the construction sector and essential industries will be allowed to operate in compliance with covid-19 safety protocols.
Similarly, the meeting also decided to provide air freight to bring oxygen cylinders sent by non-resident Nepalis.
Relaxation of few other activities is also being mulled over, which would be decided on prior to the official announcement of the change in the modality of restriction, it has been learnt.
