Doctors warn that situation could get worse if precautionary measures are not adopted before it is too late

KATHMANDU, April 12: The number of patients with severe COVID-19 infection in various hospitals in the capital city has started increasing. Doctors have pointed out the need to take extra precautions to contain further spread of COVID-19 as the number of patients with severe COVID-19 infection has increased further.

A total of 18 people have been admitted to the ICU of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital. Of those admitted, 14 have pneumonia and need oxygen support. Six of them are in critical condition, according to doctors involved in the treatment.

Similarly, 22 patients have been admitted to the TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj. They are all in need of oxygen support. Five corona infected people have been admitted to Bir Hospital. According to Dr Achyut Karki of Bir Hospital, two people are currently undergoing treatment in the ICU ward.

According to doctors, children under the age of 18 are also among those admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19. Earlier, elderly people were mostly admitted to the hospital as this age group was considered highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Doctors said even young people in critical condition have been admitted to the hospitals as the country starts experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. 

The UK variant has been found in most samples of the infected people. “Those who have COVID positives have seen a spike in protein negatives. This is understood to be a change in the form of the erstwhile coronavirus,” said Dr Anup Bastola, spokesperson of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital.

Dr Krishna Prasad Paudel, Director at Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), said that as the number of critically ill patients in the hospital is increasing day by day, the risk of further spread of this disease has increased.

According to Paudel, the UK variant was found among 15 percent of the infected children. This group is included in the group that transmits the infection secretly as there is a possibility of transmission to other family members from the child who has not shown any symptoms.

According to EDCD, people above the age of 50 were severe patients of COVID-19 in the post. However, the number of severe patients is increasing regardless of their age. Paudel argued that this shows the risk is higher among youths. He said that the lack of management of risky areas has increased the risk as the infection rate is significantly increasing on a daily basis.

“Even within two weeks after the outbreak in Nepal, the risk of the further spread of COVID-19 infection has increased significantly due to lack of crowd control in public transport, cinemas, schools, meetings and conferences, shopping malls,” Dr Poudel explained. 

Paudel said they have made suggestions to the government to control the risk sites. “Preparations are being made to address them in a few days,” he said.

Paudel maintained that imposing lockdown like last year is not possible despite the increased risk of corona. He said that this should be managed in new ways. 

 
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