COVID-19 Omicron: Alertness stepped up in Nepal

KATHMANDU: In the wake of a new COVID-19 variant reported lately, the government has stepped up alertness. The variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) first reported in the South Africa could spread to Nepal.

So the government has intensified caution, said Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, joint spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population.

Although the variant has not yet reported in Nepal, risks still prevails, he said. “There is high probability of the variant transporting to Nepal. But we are all prepared for preventing its spread here.”

As part of the drive to prevent the variant as classed by the World Health Organisation as ‘of concern’, help desks at the border areas with neighbouring India and Tribhuvan International Airport, country’s sole international airport, have increased a vigil, according to him.

Likewise, visiting Nepal through countries reporting the variant have compulsorily to stay in a quarantine facility and there would be surveillance on them taking place, he said.