KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has warned of the possible third wave of coronavirus as the infection rate rose in the past week with the easing of prohibitory order.

Issuing a statement Thursday, the ministry, citing the challenge of a third wave, urged health facilities to prepare themselves. “We urge all health facilities to ready their infrastructure and services, including oxygen and beds, in anticipation of a challenging third wave of growing infections,” the statement read.

According to the MoHP, the virus infection rate had not plummeted as anticipated during the prohibitory order. It noted that public health standards were being flouted after restrictions were relaxed.

Stating there are more than 500 active infections in 10 districts and more than 200 active infections in 26 districts, the MoHP said the risk of virus infection spread loomed large.

Joint Spokesperson of the ministry Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari attributed the risk of rise in infection also to crowds at vaccination centers. The MoHP, therefore, urged people to adopt public health standards when visiting vaccination centers.