The District Administration Office, Banke, has suspended non-essential services in the Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan area citing rapid increase in coronavirus cases.

Chief District Officer Shiva Ram Gelal informed that all non-essential services, vehicles, shops and businesses will be shut in the sub-metropolitan area from 12 am April 22 to 12 am April 28.

A meeting of the District Covid-19 Crisis Management Center (DCCMC) had recommended one-week lockdown as number of active coronavirus case had reached 735 in the metropolitan area on Wednesday and hospitals were overflowing with patients.

Vehicles carrying daily necessities during lockdown will be allowed to operate from 6 to 9 in the morning.