Kathmandu, Jul 22 (PTI) Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,014 with the detection of 100 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Wednesday, as the country lifted the nationwide lockdown.

The death toll also rose by two to 42.

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While a 60-year-old man died in Dhanusha district on Tuesday, a 49-year-old Chinese woman working in Pokhara died due to coronavirus-related complications, the ministry said.

Health authorities conducted a total of 327,614 coronavirus tests, including 3,779 overnight, health ministry spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said, adding that 5,370 coronavirus patients are currently undergoing treatment at various health centres across the country.

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Nepal on Tuesday decided to lift the nationwide lockdown from midnight after the country witnessed a decline in the number of coronavirus cases.

Finance Minister and government spokesperson Yuba Raj Khatiwada while announcing the cabinet decision, said: “The lockdown has been lifted in view of the psychological impact on people.”

As per the decision, long-route public transportation will be allowed to resume services from August 17. Academic institutions will also be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16.

However, cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed.

Domestic and international flights will also be allowed to operate from August 17.

International border points with India and China would remain closed until August 16, but Nepali nationals can enter the country through certain border points designated by the government.

Hotels, restaurants, travel and trekking agencies will be allowed to open from July 30. However, parties and conferences are not allowed in hotels and restaurants.

Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)