Risk of third wave rises as locals disregard safety guidelines in Sunsari

Published On: July 28, 2021 12:56 PM NPT By: Republica

SUNSARI, July 28: The number of COVID-19 infections has started to rise in Sunsari district following the government’s decision to ease the lockdown to a large extent. Dharan and Itahari have recorded the most cases of the virus in the district, Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal said.

“Efforts are being made to control and prevent the infection from spreading in the district due to the negligence and carelessness of the people,” Dhakal said. There are currently as many as 2,000 active cases of COVID-19 in Dharan and Itahari.

According to Sagar Prasai, chief of the District Public Health Office, a third wave of COVID-19 is expected following a rise in the infection rate.

Following the decision of the District COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (DCCMC), vehicles and hotels have started to operate which has spiked the number of infections but the mortality rate has not decreased, Prasai said. “If we are not concerned by this, the results could be hazardous. I fear a third wave may spread if the number of positive cases continues to rise,” he added.

The rise of COVID-19 cases in Dharan has led the local government to decrease the opening time period set for shops and businesses in the region, while the ward office of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City has been closed.