The government has decided to shut various public services and amenities until January 29 in view of the rising coronavirus cases.

The new restrictions have been issued as per the “Directive on the Prevention and Control of the Omicron-driven Third Wave-2022”.

On Friday, government spokesperson Gyanendra Bahadur Karki read out a list of orders aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.

“Dance bars, theatres, gym halls, cinema halls, clubs, health clubs, swimming pools, futsals and open air markets must remain closed until January 29,” said Karki while briefing the media about the Cabinet decisions. “All types of mass meetings, rallies, gatherings and activities in which many people gather have been restricted until February 12.”

According to the order, such gatherings should be conducted through virtual medium but in case they are to be conducted in person, a maximum of 25 people having negative reports of antigen tests can participate following health protocols.

The decisions were taken on January 14 by the Cabinet.

He said virtual or alternative ways should be adopted by schools, universities, colleges and tuition and training centres.

As per the government’s order, only regular worship, meditation and prayers would be allowed at temples, mosques, monasteries, churches and other religious places following health protocols until February 12.

The government has allowed only 25 people to enter shopping malls, departmental stores, super markets and other shops at one time and the concerned owners or managers will be responsible to ensure proper health protocols for their customers.

Religious, cultural, social and other essential functions, including festivals, marriages, naming ceremonies and bratabandha [coming of age ceremonies] could be held in the presence of maximum 50 persons, but a permission from the concerned District Administration Office is a must.

“Stadiums can continue their sports activities but the audience must not exceed one-third of the total capacity,” states the order. “But after January 21, only fully vaccinated people should be allowed to enter upon producing their vaccine cards.”

Covid-19 cases in Nepal have shot up lately and the current wave, experts say, is driven by Delta and Omicron, the super contagious new variant of the virus.

On Sunday, 4,961 new cases were recorded through 12,562 PCR and 2,569 antigen tests. The Health Ministry said three Covid-19 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

The number of active cases stands at 25,680.

The government has said all public and private service providers should impart their services through electronic medium as far as practicable and the Nepal Rastra Bank should facilitate electronic transactions.

The order has made separate provisions for running both land and air transportations.

Hotel owners should ensure antigen tests for all their customers within 24 hours and continue such tests every 72 hours, according to the order.

People having symptoms of Covid-19 should remain in quarantine for five days and join work only after a negative result.

The government has also said those violating the 36-point order would be punished as per the Infectious Disease Act 1964.