KATHMANDU, Nov 29: The government of Nepal has initiated preparations to safeguard the nation from the ‘Omicron’ variant, which has been found in various nations in South Africa. According to the Spokesperson of Minister of Home Affairs, Fanindramani Pokhrel, the government has accelerated preparations for the new variant, which is said to be more contagious and deadly than the previous variants of COVID-19. 

The government has halted visa service for any citizen arriving in Nepal from African countries and has directed various airlines not to bring passengers from Africa, Pokhrel said. Stating that the new variant of the deadly coronavirus has been initially detected in African nations, he said that people from the continent will not be allowed to enter Nepal. 

Pokhrel also mentioned that the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) is also holding discussions regarding the new ‘omicron’ variant. He said that security in all border points has been strengthened and the officials have been directed to send anyone with symptoms of the virus to the nearest health post for checkups.  

The first case of the new variant B.1.1.529 ‘omicron’ was detected in South Africa on November 24. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned people to take safety precautions, stating that the new variant is more challenging.

 
• Coronavirus
 
• Nepal
 
• Ministry_of_Health_and_Population
 
• Omicron