Eight Nepalis in Australia, two more in UAE test positive for coronavirus

Published On: March 30, 2020 05:05 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, March 30: Eight Nepali students in Australia have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the Embassy of Nepal in Canberra said on Sunday.

According to Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy, Durapada Sapkota, four Nepalis in New South Wales, three in Victoria and one in Tasmania have tested positive for COVID-19. Of them, the Nepali man living in Tasmania has recovered.

"The Embassy is closely following the situation that has developed here in Australia as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and has been communicating with the agencies/authorities of Australian Government concerned to address the situation and provide necessary support to the Nepali students, temporary residents and the Nepali communities affected by the COVID-19," the embassy said in a statement on Sunday.

All seven female students are doing well and are in quarantine in their respective homes."We wish them a quick recovery and thank the NRNA and other Nepali community organizations for their kind support to the needy both at self-isolation and in quarantine at this difficult time," the embassy said.

The embassy said that it has been receiving requests from some Nepalis including students, visiting parents and temporary visa holders for their quick repatriation.

"Considering the ongoing situation of COVID-19, the embassy has been coordinating with the authorities in Kathmandu to manage their safe return to Nepal."Similarly, two more Nepali nationals have tested positive for the coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a notice released by the Ministry of Health and Prevention of the UAE government. The condition of both Nepali nationals is stable and they are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital set up by the government to provide treatment of coronavirus, according Nepali Ambassador to UAE, Krishna Prasad Dhakal.Prior to this, two other Nepali nationals in the UAE had tested positive for the coronavirus. They are currently recovering after an excellent treatment facility provided at the UAE-based hospital, according to Ambassador Dhakal.