KATHMANDU: Three individuals in Sudurpaschim Province have tested positive for Covid after returning from India, according to Hemraj Joshi, the provincial contact person for the Health Directorate’s Epidemic Unit. The confirmed cases include two men and one woman.
The infected individuals are a 20-year-old man from Punarbas in Kanchanpur, a 32-year-old man from Dhakari in Achham, and a 24-year-old woman from Dhangadhi in Kailali.
Joshi stated that the infections were identified during the testing of 36 individuals who had recently returned through the Gauriphanta border crossing from various cities in India. “We have instructed all Covid-positive individuals to remain in home isolation,” he said.
Samples from the three infected individuals have been sent to the Central Public Health Laboratory in Teku, Kathmandu, for PCR testing to identify the specific variant of the virus.
Given the resurgence of Covid in neighboring countries, including India, authorities in Sudurpaschim Province have heightened surveillance across all border entry points to prevent a potential outbreak in Nepal.
The Department of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Population has directed all its offices, hospitals, and laboratories to remain on high alert and maintain preparedness in view of a possible surge in infections.
Despite these measures, there is currently a shortage of Covid testing kits in the Sudurpaschim Province, which poses a challenge to timely detection and response.
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