Kathmandu, Sept. 1 -- The restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus spread do not seem to have worked well, if the infection rates-across the country and Kathmandu Valley-are anything to go by.

The national Covid-19 tally on Monday reached 39,460, with 228 deaths.

The Health Ministry said that 899 people tested positive, with seven deaths, in the last 24 hours. Kathmandu Valley recorded 298 new cases on Monday, taking the tally to 5,724.

The government has been relying on lockdowns and prohibitory orders to contain the virus spread. However, health experts have long argued that blanket restrictions are not a solution to the pandemic. They say the decisions-to impose the lockdown on March 24 and then completely lift it after four ...