KATHMANDU, April 18: Three central level leaders of the ruling CPN-UML have tested positive for COVID-19.
UML Standing Committee members Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and central committee members duo Khilm Lal Bhattarai and Bishnu Rijal have tested positive for the virus.
Trace and test
Sources said Prime Minister K P Oli and other senior leaders of the ruling party have fallen in ‘contact tracing’ as all three leaders, who have tested positive for the virus, had participated in a meeting of the party’s 10th General Convention Organizing Committee held at the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on April 23.
Standing Committee member Rayamajhi was seen seated in a row behind Prime Minister Oli and other senior leaders of the party during the meeting. Rayamaji, who also serves as a minister in the Oli-led cabinet, had attended a cabinet meeting a few days ago.
While Rayamajhi is currently undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital in Chhauni, Bhattarai and Rijal are staying isolated at their homes. Preparations are underway for PCR tests of all the leaders who had come into contact with these leaders to see if they are also infected by the virus.