Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) recommends closure of schools until January 29

With the emergence of the third wave of COVID-19 in the country, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) has recommended the government shut down schools until January 29.

A meeting of the CCMC held Sunday made this recommendation after the recent spike of COVID-19 infections and the spread of the omicron variant. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the country reported a total of 1,176 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours which is the highest figure in the past several months.

The CCMC recommended the government to close the schools and other public spaces at least for 15 days in order to contain the spread of coronavirus. The CCMC has advanced its recommendations to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration for implementation.    

Currently, some schools have announced winter vacation while some others are running examinations. The academic institutions conducting exams have been told to apply health precautions amid the rising cases of coronavirus.

State Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Umesh Shrestha was also present in the meeting of the CCMC on Sunday.

Similarly, the CCMC has recommended the Ministry of Home Affairs to enforce the provision of mandatorily appearing with the vaccine cards while visiting the film halls, parks, and other public places.

Likewise, the meeting has asked the political parties to avoid meetings and ceremonies.

It also requested the stakeholders not to organize any event that exceeds the participation of 25 individuals.

The Chief District Officers of the districts concerned can take additional decisions considering the local context.