The authorities have decided to close the Gaddachauki-Banbasa border point in Kanchanpur district from Tuesday. It was one of the four main border crossings that the governments of Nepal and India had agreed to keep open for human movement.

A meeting of the district coronavirus infection control sub-committee held on Sunday decided to seal the Gaddachauki-Banbasa border point for an indefinite period from Tuesday keeping in view the possible spread of Covid-19.

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“There is a high risk of coronavirus outbreak in the area, as a huge number of people pass through the border point every day. We decided to seal the border point fearing the possible spread of the disease,” said Nurahari Khatiwada, chief district officer of Kanchanpur.

Hundreds of migrant workers started returning home amidst fear of novel coronavirus in India. As many as 4,200 people have entered Nepal through the Gaddachauki-Banbasa border point since Saturday evening.

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The District Administration Office in Kanchanpur also decided to close all factories, industries and the market place, except the shops selling essential commodities, from Sunday mid-night. The local administration has urged people not to come out of the house except in times of emergency.

“We will take strong action if anyone is found defying the instruction,” said Khatiwada.

In Kailali, the local administration sealed all border points, except for Trinagar customs point in Dhangadhi and Khakraula in Tikapur, from Sunday morning. Armed Police Force personnel have been mobilised to monitor the border crossings.

Arjun Sah from Kailali contributed reporting.