KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 27

The recovery rate of Nepalis, who contracted COVID-19, has significantly increased in recent times, says Non-Resident Nepali Association.

As per a press release issued by the NRNA today, a total of 52,872 Nepalis tested positive for coronavirus in 52 foreign countries till last evening. Of them, 49,892 have recovered. The recovery rate accounts for 94.5 per cent. A clinically recovered COVID-19 patient should test negative for the virus twice in a gap of at least 24 hours.

The COVID-19 death toll of Nepalis living abroad remained unchanged in the past one week and stood at 312. The casualties were reported in 21 countries.

NRNA said no Nepali had died of COVID-19 last week.

However, more Nepalis got infected with the virus in Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

NRNA appealed to all Nepalis to take precautionary measures against the disease by avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel. It has also advised the Nepali community to wear face-mask inside public transport and crowded places, while maintaining social and physical distance. It warned that some foreign countries, including the United Kingdom, had reported new type of coronavirus and urged everyone to follow health safety protocols.

It also said Nepalis working on the frontline had started receiving vaccine against the disease in the UK, Qatar, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Similarly, NRNA said it had extended necessary support and relief materials to Nepalis, who were affected by the pandemic abroad. Relief materials included medical equipment and foodstuff.

More than 2,100 volunteers have been mobilised in 50 countries.

NRNA also informed that more than 126,989 Nepalis stranded in foreign countries were rescued from 33 countries and sent home, in association with the Government of Nepal and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad till date. The rescue of needy Nepalis abroad is under way.