KATHMANDU, JANUARY 2

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population has requested people to avoid crowds, use masks, wash hands, and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of omicron variant in the country.

Issuing a statement today, the division said there was risks of transmission of the new variant across the world and it was necessary for us to remain alert and prepared to minimise the spread of infection.

'As the new variant has already been detected in Nepal, it is necessary for us to remain alert. So, people must practice preventive health measures to prevent the spread of infection,' the statement reads.

The division has directed all the local levels, health offices in the districts and all seven health directorate to help in the management of isolation facility and treatment of coronavirus cases. It has also directed them to find the hotspots, conduct antigen tests, increase the number of antigen tests and conduct case investigation and contact tracing. It has also directed them to perform antigen tests of those entering Nepal from the entry points and manage those testing positive for the infection, increase vaccination and assist in surveillance of those in isolation or quarantine along with their health check up and follow up.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 3, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.