Kathmandu, Mar 21 (IANS): The Nepal government impose a partial lockdown by completely halting long-distance transportation services, international flights and non-essential services offered by both private and public sectors starting from March 23.

Address the nation on Friday evening, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli announced a complete halt on long-haul transportation services with effect from March 23 till further notice, while international flights operations at Tribhuvan International Airport will remain shut from March 22 to March 31, reports The Himalayan Times.

The government has also decided to halt services offered by both private and public sectors, other than essential services, across the country from March 23 to April 3.

Oli said the government would also coordinate with neighbouring countries to set up health desks at major border points to ensure no traveller was affected.

He added that the government would promote work-from-home culture as far as possible in the private sector.

However, all government and private sector employees working in essential services sector will attend their offices as usual.

The Prime Minister made it clear that stern action would be taken against those involved in black-marketing, hoarding and creating artificial shortages in the market.

Nepal has so far reported only one coronavirus case, the lowest in the South Asian region.