Kathmandu, Aug. 5: Entry to Singhadurbar, the main administrative centre of the country, has been prohibited with increasing COVID-19 infection.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said entry of persons other than those with essential work has been restricted to the federal government secretariat premises.

"There is no problem entering the Singhadurbar for essential work after adopting health safety standards. However, entry for general purpose to meet and talk with someone has to be checked and this has been prohibited," Ministry spokesman Chakra Bahadur Budha said.

He added that this provision has been made save for essential works as attention should be given to prevent the risk. According to the Home Ministry spokesman, giving permission for entry through passes issued from offices within Singhadurbar has also been halted for the time-being. He has also urged the citizens to adopt health safety alertness in the present difficult situation and also not to go out of or enter Singhadurbar except for emergency and essential work.

Spokesman Budha made it clear that journalists carrying the 'press pass' would not be barred from entering the government central secretariat.

COVID-19 infection is increasing in Kathmandu Valley of late. On Tuesday alone, COVID-19 has been found in 62 people in Kathmandu Valley. Entry to the Valley has been further tightened after rise in coronavirus infection and action is taken against persons or business firms not implementing the health standard, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu District, Janak Raj Dahal, said.

He has also warned of taking those disobeying this provision into custody