Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU, (Reuters) – Nepal banned large gatherings in public and shut down schools for almost three weeks following a rise in coronavirus infections. Officials said Monday.

Nepal has reported 1 357 additional cases Monday. It is now the country’s largest single-day spike since September 2013 and brings the total number of new cases to 833,946. 11606 people have died from coronavirus.

Pradip Kumar Koirala, spokesperson for the Home Ministry said that public rallies such as political rallies or religious events involving over 25 persons were prohibited.

“Entry to hotels, restaurants, cinema halls and public offices as well as parks from Jan. 21 will be given to those providing proof of being vaccinated against the coronavirus,” Koirala told Reuters.

The government had earlier ordered that schools be closed for three weeks, ending on Jan. 29, 2009.

Deepak Sharma, Education Ministry spokesperson said that a campaign for vaccinations of children between 12 and 17 years old at schools will continue.

“Schools must notify students about the time and date when they need to go to schools and receive the shots,” Sharma said.

Authorities are hopeful that closing schools will prevent spread of Omicron-related virus.

Hospitals were asked last week by the government to plan for an increased number of COVID-19 patients.

It was ordered that hospitals maintain sufficient oxygen levels and have staff available. 26 Omicron infections have been reported in Nepal. However, there were no Omicron deaths.

Since an inoculation drive started a year ago, 37% of Nepal’s population of 30,000,000 has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccinations.