Test and isolate by Padam Raj Bhatta

Photo: Padam Raj Bhatta/ photo.circle

TEST AND ISOLATE: Two migrant workers who recently arrived in Kailali from India were tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. They were asked to isolate at home because they were asymptomatic. As cases increase, the local hospitals are unable to house all positive cases in isolation wards. Seti Hospital in Kailali has only 50 beds, but there are almost 1000 COVID-19 cases. “Only those showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be treated in isolation,” says Dr. Gunaraj Awasthi, director of the Far-Western Provincial Health Directorate.

Epidemiologists warn that proper isolation of asymptomatic patients is important to contain community transmissions. Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population claims that the number of cases of COVID-19 is declining, but health experts argue the decline is because the government has reduced the number of samples being tested every day. They say the government should be expanding, not reducing tests if it wants to avoid a full-blown crisis.

As of this weekend there are 3914 cases and six confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in far-west Nepal.

Text and Photos: Padam Bhatta @padambhatta255

Copy Edit: Nisha Rai @nishastoryteller

Edit: Mallika Aryal @mikaness

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