DHANGADHI: The District Administration Office, Kanchanpur, has decided to shut down Gaddachauki border point in the far-western region from Tuesday for an indefinite period as a precautionary measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Nepal.

A meeting chaired by Chief District Officer, Nura Hari Khatiwada, decided to close down the Gaddachauki transit point which connects Banbasa of India, effective from Tuesday morning until further notice.

Likewise, the meeting also decided to lockdown Bhimdatta Municipality from Sunday midnight to prevent coronavirus from spreading in the region.

All manufacturing firms, businesses, markets, educational institutions, transportation -- except ambulances, rescue vehicles and other essential services -- will remain closed in the area.

The government has also decided to keep record of all persons entering Nepal via Gaddachauki transit to fight against COVID-19 in Nepal.

The administration has also urged the locals not to come out of houses except in case of emergencies. If anyone is found to be violating the virus-curfew they would be questioned by the security personnel and would be penalised as per prevailing laws.

All the government officials and private-sector employees in essential services are urged to carry out their respective duties from their offices.

In order to prevent the pandemic from spreading, teams consisting of district-level officials from all forms of government have been formed to monitor, inspect transit points and health desks in the area.