Pandemic is out of control in Kathmandu, warn health experts

Published On: November 1, 2020 03:00 PM NPT By: Kunga Hyolmo


One in every 28 people in Kathmandu diagnosed with COVID-19 

KATHMANDU, Nov 1: On average, one in every 28 people in Kathmandu district has contracted coronavirus as of Saturday.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), as many as 61,855 people have tested positive for the virus in Kathmandu. Experts believe that the people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Valley could be higher than than the reported numbers. Dr Rabindra Sameer, a public health expert, said that the COVID-19 outbreak in the Valley is currently in third stage and is soon to reach fourth stage. “The pandemic is out of control,” he said.

The pandemic is categorized into four stages. The first stage is when the disease does not spread locally, and it is the second stage when there is local transmission. Likewise, the third stage is when the source of disease transmission is unknown, and it’s the fourth stage when the outbreak is beyond control.

Three districts – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur – have the highest number of COVID-19 patients. The Valley has been recording a four-digit rise in daily COVID-19 cases since the government lifted nationwide lockdown on July 21.

As many as 76,348 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Valley as of Saturday. Kathmandu district has recorded the highest number of 219 COVID-19 deaths, followed by Bhaktapur and Lalitpur with 66 and 60 deaths respectively.

“Despite fewer tests, we are witnessing a huge number of new cases. Countries doing good during this pandemic are testing millions at once. Contact tracing and finding the source of transmission is the best possible way to control the outbreak along with other measures,” emphasized Dr Sameer.

The COVID-19 designated hospitals are overwhelmed and under-equipped as the Valley is witnessing a sharp surge in new cases. The government has failed to contain the virus spread. Earlier, the government announced not to bear the costs of COVID-19 treatments and PCR tests.


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