The Nepal government, late Thursday night, decided to temporarily stop issuing on-arrival tourist visas to all countries and has put an end to all spring mountaineering expeditions, including Everest ascents. The decision comes a day after the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic and urged countries to take precautionary measures. As per the available reports “The visa suspension, which excludes diplomatic and official visas, will come into effect on March 14 and last until April 30.” A high-level coordination committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel took the decision to this effect on Thursday. The meeting also decided to restrict traveller movement to and from India via land routes and adhere to strict quarantine measures at the border. No decision has been made to close down schools and colleges. Those willing to visit Nepal can obtain visa beforehand from the Nepalese Missions abroad and all applicants required to submit a recently issued health certificate with the visa application as well as one need to present the medical certificate (issued before 7 days) on arrival declaring that they are free of the Coronavirus.