Kathmandu, May 7 (IANS): The Nepal government has decided to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, until May 18, while the suspension of domestic and international flights will continue till May 31.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Yubaraj Khatiwada said that the government also decided to keep all border entry points shut till May 31 to stem the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, reports The Himalayan Times.

As per the government's decision, transportation of essential goods, including food items and medicines, will remain unaffected.

Basic banking services and industries will also remain open.

The government has however, warned that if anybody violated the lockdown, crossed into Nepal or gave shelter to foreigners, then they would be punished.

Also on Wednesday, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Rameshwar Ray Yadav told The Himalayan Times that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli decided to extend the lockdown, saying the risk of infection in Nepal had not diminished, as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in some Tarai districts bordering India.

The nationwide lockdown first came into effect on March 24 when the second coronavirus case was reported in Kathmandu.

Since then the government has extended the lockdown several times to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which has so far infected 99 people in Nepal with no fatalities.