KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has projected that the number of COVID-19 cases in Nepal will reach 179,123 by mid-October.

According to the report prepared by the ministry with the participation of various donors, the number of infected people could increase to 179,123 by 16-October at the current rate of COVID-19 surge of cases.

A high-ranking official of the ministry said that the ministry is also preparing isolation with a capacity of 1,000 beds as the COVID-19 cases are increasing in the Kathmandu Valley, and we are working accordingly according to our projection.

With the onset of the cold weather and the possibility of further spread of the cold, the ministry officials said that they have worked out the possible estimates.

However, the rate of infection is expected to gradually decrease from the third week of August.

The ministry has estimated that 6,043 active infections, 4,834 asymptomatic infections, 906 hospital admissions and 302 critically ill patients will reach the end of September.

However, the infection is projected to decrease from the third week of August.

However, due to the effective response of the Government of Nepal, the state government and the local level and the support of Nepali citizens and all stakeholders, the active cases could be controlled, officials said.