Kathmandu: Coronavirus cases continue to surge across Nepal at an alarming rate with daily cases reaching a record high. Nepal recorded 5,763 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the total tally to 328,893 (in PCR tests) while the death toll reached 3,298 with 19 fatalities.
Nepal had earlier registered a record-high 5,743 cases on October 21, 2020.
Registering a steady increase, the active cases have risen to 43,213 as of Saturday afternoon, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
According to the Ministry, Kathmandu Valley recorded 2,495 cases— 1,932 persons in Kathmandu, 355 in Lalitpur, and 208 in Bhaktapur.
There are 67 individuals in various quarantine facilities across Nepal.
Likewise, 1,287 people recovered in the last 24 hours, taking total recoveries 282,382.
Health experts irked by govt’s remark
Health experts have sharply criticized the government’s remark that Nepal’s health system is no longer able to take in Covid patients and provide treatment.
They flayed the remark as irresponsible and unconstitutional. Health experts argued that it was irresponsible for the state to run away from its duty as the constitution has guaranteed the right to health as a fundamental right.
The Ministry of Health and Population said in a statement on Friday that coronavirus cases have surged beyond the handling capacity of the country’s health system.
The government had announced that it is no longer possible to provide beds in hospitals and had urged all to take measures to prevent further infection.
Health experts argued that it was irresponsible for the state to run away from its duty as the constitution has guaranteed the right to health as a fundamental right.
Former Chief of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division at the Ministry of Health Dr. Baburam Marasini remarked that the government was not supposed to make such a remark.
“The government should not have made the remark while Covid-19 cases have increased at an alarming rate,” said Marasini.
Former Chief Expert of the Ministry of Health Dr Sushil Nath Pyakurel also said that the government’s remark was wrong. He argues that the government should not give up treating the people and controlling the pandemic.
122 fatalities in last five days
Nepal recorded 122 deaths in the last five days. The death toll stands at 3,298 as of Saturday afternoon after 19 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours.
April 27
On April 27, Nepal recorded 4,524 cases in the last 24 hours. Health Ministry said that 15,681 samples were tested during the period. Nepal recorded 18 fatalities.
April 28
Nepal recorded 4,897 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the total tally to 312,699 while the death toll reached 3,211 with 17 fatalities.
April 29
Health authorities in Nepal recorded 4,928 new coronavirus cases and 35 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The death toll climbed to 3,246.
April 30
A total of 5,727 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the country in the past 24 hours, only 16 cases less than the highest single-day spike recorded last year. Nepal recorded 33 fatalities.
May 1
Nepal recorded 5,763 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the total tally to 328,893 (in PCR tests) while the death toll reached 3,298 with 19 fatalities.
Prohibitory order enforced in 25 districts
Prohibitory orders have been issued in different districts including Kathmandu Valley to stem the spread of Covid-19.
According to the Home Ministry, prohibitory orders have been issued in 25 districts till Saturday morning.
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