KATHMANDU: Nepali living in various parts of the US have been affected by Coronavirus that has taken huge toll in the country.

So far, around 500 Nepalis have been infected with the COVID-19 disease.

The number, however, could not be independently verified, according RSS.

The Nepali Embassy in the US has given telephone numbers for those willing to seek assistance for support while a form has also been included in the Embassy website to fill out.

Nepali Ambassador to the US, Dr Arjun Karki said the Embassy has made diplomatic communication with the US government to address the problems that Nepalis are facing including the expiry of VISA and others concerns.

A significant number of Nepalis on a tourist VISA are in a risk of overstay after their VISA has expired in the US.

Nepalese American State Legislator Harry Bhandari, meanwhile, informed that his office was taking measures to support the Nepali-speaking US population, including consultation and unemployment allowances.

He said he was working with federal legislators to address the concerns of his constituents as well as the Nepalese Americans.

Likewise, former chair of NRNA Dr Keshav Poudel said psychological distress in the Nepalis in US is very high since the pandemic broke out in the country.

Over 500 Nepalis are believed to have been infected by the Coronavirus, Dr Poudel said adding that many of them are in self-quarantine.

Nepalis particularly reside in New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, Colorado and other cities of the US.

The highest number is believed to be in New York at around 40,000.

(RSS)