Dhangadhi, June 7 -- The Sudurpaschim province has experienced a continuous increase in COVID-19 infections over the last four days, with 13 individuals who returned from India testing positive.
Health authorities caution that the true figure might be greater because of a significant lack of rapid diagnostic testing kits at crucial border locations.
On Saturday, the Provincial Health Emergency Operations Centre reported that three people entering via the Gauriphanta checkpost in Kailali and another person coming through the Jhulaghat crossing in Baitadi were found to be positive.
"Hem Raj Joshi, who serves as the provincial COVID-19 point person, stated that out of the 27 individuals examined in Gauriphanta, three tested positive for infection. An additional case was also identified in Jhulaghat," he added.
Even with daily discoveries, testing remains significantly restricted. On Saturday, only 28 people were examined at the Gauriphanta and Jhulaghat checkpoints, despite more than 1,100 individuals entering Nepal via multiple entry points in Kailali, Baitadi, Darchula, and Kanchanpur from India.
"On Friday, we received 200 kits from Kathmandu; however, because of the restricted availability, we are conducting tests exclusively for people exhibiting severe symptoms or those with a significant risk of exposure," Joshi noted additionally.
The increase in infections coincides with rising Covid-19 cases being reported in India as well, sparking worries about potential spread across borders. Health professionals had previously cautioned that Nepal might experience another surge in infections after seeing peaks in nearby nations.
Authorities mentioned that individuals testing positive are being reached out to via local agencies and are being counseled to quarantine themselves at their homes. Additionally, monitoring activities have been stepped up at entry points, and all regional health centers have been directed to stay vigilant.
Joshi mentioned that the province has asked for extra testing supplies but admitted that more hold-ups in delivery might undermine efforts to contain the spread.
"Despite our careful approach, adequate monitoring of the circumstances isn’t possible without sufficient testing," he stated.
Health authorities are advising people to take precautionary steps like wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and steering clear of congested areas, particularly with heightened cross-border travel during the monsoon season.
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