DHANGADI, MAY 24

Dhangadi Sub-Metropolitan City has started testing people for coronavirus in the far-flung areas of the local levels.

"We have started testing people with COVID-like symptoms for antigens beginning today," said the sub-metropolis' health inspector Laxmiraj Upadhyaya, adding, "Medication and counselling is also provided to people."

According to Upadhyaya, the metropolis came up with the idea of testing people in the villages as it would be difficult for people in the outlying areas to avail the service provided by the swab testing centre set up by the municipality.

"Last year, we'd reached out to each and every settlement in the municipality and conducted tests. However, we are performing such tests only for people living in the outlying areas this time around," Upadhyaya said.

Today, people in Ward Number 17 were tested for the virus.

"Of the 23 persons who had fever and were staying at home, three tested positive. Our team provided medicines and health advice to them," Upadhyaya informed.

Furthermore, the city health inspector also informed about the plan to conduct tests in ward 19 after completion of tests in ward 17.

Dhangadi Sub-metropolitan City has been collecting swabs for COVID tests by setting up its own laboratory last year.

A version of this article appears in the print on May 25, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.