The number of coronavirus positive cases continues to rise in Nepal – with sixteen cases confirmed so far [one of whom has recovered]. Contact tracing of these new cases has begun.
As the country remains under lockdown, the Government of Nepal continues to strengthen the capacity of hospitals across the country. It has mobilised additional security personnel at the Nepal-India border to assist with testing and isolation of people entering from India. Testing, though, remains a significant concern, requiring multiple testing and potentially failing to confirm positive cases of coronavirus in the community.
INF continues to support preparation and response efforts. Ten medical staff from Green Pastures Hospital have been placed on call with the Gandaki Province Health Directorate to respond to coronavirus cases. As well as our medical preparations, including provision of essential equipment, INF is supporting community relief efforts.
Our Dang office has supported local health officials and community health workers by providing one-hundred-and-twenty-five N95 masks for their use. Our Dang office has also already provided funds for food item transportation across the district. In Bajura, INF has supported the provision of food for sixty-five vulnerable families in coordination with the local government.
Plans and preparations are well underway to do even more to support community efforts to suppress the spread of coronavirus and to support the most vulnerable people.