The government has decided not to resume domestic flights and long-route public transportation services until September 16 on the face of rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19 across nation.

With 1221 new cases of coronavirus infection on Sunday, highest single-day record, the nationwide COVID-19 count has jumped to 38,561, as per the Ministry of Health and Population. The national death toll stands at 221.

A cabinet meeting held at the official residence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar of Kathmandu on Sunday evening decided to postpone the resumption of domestic flights and long-haul bus services.

Earlier, the government had announced to resume operation of domestic flights and long-distance bus services from September 1.

Similarly, the cabinet meeting also decided not to open schools and other academic institutions until September 16.

Meanwhile, chartered and regular international passenger flights will resume from September 1.

Only Nepalis and representatives of diplomatic missions, the United Nations and development partners will be allowed to fly into Nepal, with restrictions on foreign tourists until further notice, the government announced on August 21.