In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Nepal and Bhutan have sealed their land borders with India on Monday.
The step has been taken as part of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said the country was resorting to the “drastic measure” of sealing its land borders because of the pandemic.
“As you have been made aware through various government bulletins, the virus is spreading, causing immense disruption worldwide, and drawing closer to us each day,” said Wangchuck on Sunday.
“At such a time, the health and safety of the people of Bhutan are of the greatest priority, and as such, we are putting in place every measure necessary to safeguard the people of Bhutan,” the King added.
“The borders have been sealed from Monday 6 am and only essential supplies such as food, medicines and fuel would be allowed into the country,” informed Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.
“The returning Bhutanese nationals will be quarantined,” he added.
On the other hand, Nepal has also completely sealed its land borders with India from 10 am on Monday.
The decision was taken during a Nepal cabinet meeting on Sunday.
India and Nepal, however, had earlier decided to keep four border checkpoints operational.