The Kathmandu District Administration Office, issuing notice on Thursday, has restricted educational institutions from conducting physical classes until further notice citing the risk of COVID-19.

“No school shall conduct physical classes for students. If there is no option than to run in-person teaching-learning activities, the relevant metropolitan city and municipalities shall ensure that teachers, employees, drivers, helpers, canteen operators and other office-bearers of the schools are inoculated against COVID-19 and adhere to the prescribed health protocols compulsorily,” read the order.

The DAO requires the local levels to develop a modality for the operation of schools by holding discussions with guardians and stakeholders as per the provisions of smart lockdown put in place by the Government of Nepal.

However, a meeting of stakeholders from several schools with the Ministry of Health and Population officials on Wednesday agreed not to rush the resumption of physical classes amid the existing COVID-19 risk.

Similarly, the DAO has appealed to everyone to shun public celebrations of festivals, feasts, assemblies, rallies and crowding.

“We call on the people to celebrate festivals in a symbolic manner by strictly adhering to health guidelines with minimum participation,” it said.