ITAHARI: At a time when government has eased the lockdown for shoppers and streetwalkers, the COVID-19 cases have jumped many folds from its early peak of 35 in State-1.

Ten new cases were found on Saturday alone, says Corona Information Desk of the state-1 government. With fresh 10 cases, five each from Jhapa and Morang, the total COVID-19 patient tally has reached 344 in the state. Fortunately, not a single patient has succumbed to this global pandemic in the state.

All infected patients are hospitalized to COVID-19 hospital at Biratnagar. According to Gyan Bahadur Basnet, the manager of the pandemic treatment facility that was constructed by State-1 government on April 3, said 30 patients are undergoing treatment at the facility.

Two more PCR testing facilities in the offing

Currently, there are three Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing laboratories in State-1. Microbiology laboratory of Dharan-based B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences started PCR test from March 29.

Likewise, Biratnagar-based Koshi Zonal Hospital laboratory and Avian Disease Research Laboratory started PCR test since April 11 and May 1 respectively.

State Government has speeded up its plan to add two more PCR testing laboratories in the state. According to the Economic Affairs and Planning Minister of the state Indra Angbo (Mausam), two PCR testing centres are in final phase of the operation. Talking to RSS, Minister did not specify about the two upcoming laboratories but said testing would begin in the near future.