KATHMANDU, JANUARY 28
The COVID-19 Crisis Management and Coordination Centre has recommended that the government should continue odd-even rule for taxis and private vehicles and bar physical classes in schools and colleges till mid-February.
The CCMC also recommended that cinema halls and dance bars should remain shut till mid-February. CCMC Spokesperson Sunita Nepal said CCMC's recommendations on the closure of schools/colleges, theatres, and dance bars would come into effect only after the Cabinet endorsement. The CCMC recommended that schools and colleges should continue teaching through online classes.
The CCMC, however, recommended that the odd-even rule for public vehicles should end. This means all public transport vehicles can ply but they won't be allowed to carry more passengers than the available seats.
Transport entrepreneurs had opposed the government for enforcing odd-even rule on public transport vehicles, arguing that it is not a scientific method to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic as it will lead to overcrowded public vehicles.
The CCMC recommended that schools should open for carrying out vaccination campaign. It also recommended that the education ministry should conduct postponed college examinations adhering to health safety protocols, including physical distancing.
Nepal said that the CCMC also recommended that district administration offices should decide on relaxing the odd-even vehicle rule in respective districts.
A version of this article appears in the print on January 29, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
