Rising Covid-19 Cases in Nepal: Experts Warn of a Third Wave

Strategic Insights -

Covid-19 cases are surging in Nepal, with officials confirming infections among doctors, health workers, and students in schools. The country is witnessing a rise in new cases, with 540 people testing positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, followed by 435 on Wednesday and 393 the previous day. Public health experts say most signs point to the third coronavirus wave, with the daily test positivity rate soaring to 6.6 percent, 6.5 percent, and 4.5 percent for the last three days. The authorities have suspended healthcare services at Palpa Hospital, except for emergencies, after four staff members tested positive.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nepal has reported a significant surge in Covid-19 cases, with 540 people testing positive on Thursday, 435 on Wednesday, and 393 the previous day.
  • The daily test positivity rate has increased to 6.6 percent, 6.5 percent, and 4.5 percent for the last three days, indicating a rise in infections.
  • Public health experts believe that the current trend suggests the third coronavirus wave in Nepal.
  • The new wave is likely to start from clusters, including schools, offices, and areas with low vaccination rates, where people who are unvaccinated will be more affected.
  • Experts warn that the twin attack of Delta and Omicron variants could put pressure on health facilities.
  • Nepal's vaccination drive is crucial, with only 35.9 percent of the population fully vaccinated, leaving around 64 percent of the population at risk.
  • Doctors stress the need to ramp up the vaccination drive and administer booster shots to those with compromised immunity and frontline workers.

Statistics:

  • 540 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Nepal on Thursday, a sharp increase from the previous day's 435 cases and 393 cases on the first day of the week.
  • The daily test positivity rate has soared to 6.6 percent, 6.5 percent, and 4.5 percent for the last three days.
  • India reported 90,928 cases of coronavirus infection on Thursday, a sharp spike of over 56 percent in daily new infections.
  • Nepal has received 39,203,927 doses of various Covid-19 vaccines, with 10,904,851 people, or 35.9 percent of the population, having been fully vaccinated as of Thursday.

Sources:

  • The Kathmandu Post, January 7, 2022
  • EKantipur.com
  • HT Digital Content Services
  • Syndigate Media Inc.
  • HT Media Ltd.