Kathmandu, December 22

The government has made it clear that no new variant of coronavirus that has been spreading in the neighbouring countries was found in Nepal.

Joint-spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari issued a press statement informing that the new variant of coronavirus - BF7 - was not found in Nepal.

The gene sequencing of the samples collected from various parts of the country during a month did not show the BF7 variant.

Only the omicron variant was found while testing 48 samples at the National Public Health Laboratory.

In the wake of the spread of the new variant of coronavirus in some countries, the ministry said it would increase vigilance and coordinate with the concerned countries.

Joint-spokesperson Adhikari, however, urged all to be aware and informed about the spread of the new variant of coronavirus of late.

'All are requested to use mask, and maintain physical distance and pay heed to handwashing in view of the spread of the new variant of coronavirus in the countries abroad,' he said.

A version of this article appears in the print on December 23, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.