Nepal government extends Covid-19 lockdown until June 14:
The government has extended the lockdown till Sunday, the 32nd of Jestha (June 14, 2020). The cabinet meeting held on Saturday has also decided to close the international border checkpoints till Ashad 16th.
Minister for Finance, Communications, and Information Technology, Dr. Yuvraj Khatiwada, informed that the ongoing lockdown has been extended till June 14. Earlier, the government had issued a bandh till June 4. The government has concluded that the ban has been effective in preventing and controlling COVID-19. The lockdown has been going on in Nepal since the 11th of Chaitra, 2076.
Spokesperson Dr. Khatiwada informed that discussions were also held on modifying the format of the bandh. According to him, the COVID-19 Prevention and Control High-Level Coordinating Committee has been instructed to discuss the modified form of the ban and make a recommendation to the Council of Ministers.
Spokesperson Dr. Khatiwada also said that the border entry will be tightened as the risk of infection has increased across the border. For that, the meeting also decided to cooperate with the neighboring countries as per the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Giving a brief response on the budget, he said that the government has brought a budget to address the challenges of the health sector.
He said, "The budget is also focused on the issue of unemployment in the country and how to involve the youths coming from abroad in employment."
He added, “Workers, businessmen, farmers, construction businessmen are all in trouble. Relief and grant programs have been launched in all areas. ”
He said that some budgets have been cut in the field of infrastructure but with the increase in investment in agriculture, the budget has been focused on social and economic sectors.
