The border transits with neighbouring India in Mahottari have been closed considering the risk of COVID-19. All the transits except Bhittamod have been closed, said Chief District Officer Surya Bahadur Khatri.

The Saturday meeting of the District Security Committee decided to close down all the border transit points including the points nearby the human settlements. The district shares around 38 kilometers of border with India.

As a result, the Khairwani, Samsi, Gaudhabhetpur, Pokharabhinda, Itaharwakatti, Kataiya, Bathanaha, Madhawa, Nainhi, Parsapataili and Matihani check points have been closed from today. Also shut down are Raghunathpur, Sangrapur, Katti, Shishawakataiya, Musarpatti, Maliwara and Sakari points.

A joint patrol of Armed Police, Nepali Police and Nepali Army will monitor the closed transit points round-the-clock. Regular message are also being disseminated in coordination with the local level governments urging people to stop movement across the border, said CDO Khatri.

This was needed in order to minimize the risk to Coronavirus, said Mayor of Matihani Hari Prasad Mandal.