Stranded US tourists fly out of Kathmandu

American citizens boarded a flight out of Kathmandu on Sunday, as the country prepares to extend a lockdown imposed since last month in an effort to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

303 people boarded what was likely to be the last flight out of Nepal, on the second flight of its kind arranged by the U.S. embassy, but paid for by the passengers.

The Qatar Airways jet is scheduled to land at Washington D.C. with a fuel stop at Doha.

Nepal's government has halted all flights and ground transportation, shutting down offices and businesses since last month to control the spread of the new virus.

Nepal has nine confirmed cases including one person who has recovered, but no deaths so far.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The vast majority of people recover.