MAHENDRANAGAR, DECEMBER 6

In the wake of finding of new Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Sudur Paschim provincial government has intensified preparedness to stem the infection.

A meeting of the directive committee of the province today morning instructed people to stay alert and hospitals and health institutions to be ready to contain the virus.

Health institutions should ready and manage workforce, ventilators, intensive care units and oxygen, directed the meeting chaired by Chief Minister of the Province Trilochan Bhatta.

"Those entering Nepal from India have got health tests at the border. Preparations are underway to keep suspected people in quarantine," COVID-19 contact person at the Health Directorate, Hemraj Joshi said.

Meanwhile, existing samples have been collected and sent to Kathmandu to find about the new variant, he said.