KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has confirmed that 2,366 samples to detect the possible spread of COVID-19 infection have been tested, so far, in the country. Among the tested samples 1,965 samples were tested at the Teku-based National Public Health Laboratory while the rest of the tests were taken outside the valley. Dr Bikash Devkota, spokesperson for MoHP, informed that 802 samples were collected for PCR testing from Achham, Surket and Jumla districts which have been brought to the valley. The medical team deployed to Kanchanpur and Kailali collected 198 samples. These samples comprise two types of tests -- one which will be examined by the rapid kit, and throat swab. Moreover, the medical team deployed in Dipayal of the Sudurpaschim Province aims to collect 300 test samples soon. The efforts of the government to quickly assemble and examine the samples have been intensified. Meanwhile, the collection of samples from outside the valley is ongoing, Dr Devkota said at the daily press briefing organised by the ministry. In an attempt to increase the radius of the testing, 180 tests were still being taken on Wednesday. It has been learnt that 134 persons have been kept in isolation while the number of those in quarantine has risen to 8,850. Following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), those who came in contact with the eight COVID-19 patients -- active cases in Nepal -- have also been traced, Dr Baskota informed. Similarly, COVID-19 Crisis Management Centres have been established in all 75 districts. Likewise,the government has completed the formulation of statement of purpose for the prevention, control and treatment efforts that are currently underway. Larger machines are being installed in Pokhara, Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj-based Bheri Hospital which will ensure maximum sample testings compared to the portable PCR machines. Baskota concluded his briefing by appealing to the public to not gather at one place and encouraging the concerned authorities to monitor the situation strictly, given the critical situation that we are facing consequential to the spread of the global pandemic. A link to the video: https://youtu.be/YeFqcGJlVpg