Ongoing Shutdown: Press out of purview

Newspapers and other essential services will remain out of the purview of the ongoing shutdown, which was announced by the government to contain the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

A circular, issued by the public administration ministry on Sunday, said utility services such as water, electricity, gas, telephone, and internet will be operational during the shutdown.

Transportation of agricultural products, fertiliser, insecticides, gasoline, newspapers, food, goods, medical equipment, and daily essentials will also be outside the purview of the suspension.

Besides, kitchen markets, restaurants, drugstores, and hospitals will also remain open, the circular added.

Offices can be opened in case of urgent need, and pharmaceuticals and export-oriented mills and factories will remain open if necessary.

Earlier, a circular signed by cabinet division secretary was issued on March 24 which cited the newspapers and essential services will remain out of the purview of the shutdown until April 4.

The government announced the closure of all public and private offices from March 26 to April 4 after which all public transport services were suspended.

On April 1, the government extended the ongoing shutdown until April 11.

Later on Sunday, the shutdown was further extended until April 14.