The Nepal Weekly 
April 4, 2023A new variant of Omicron ‘XBB1.16’, spreading in the neighbouring country India, has also been detected in Nepal. Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, assistant spokesperson to the Ministry of Health and Population informed that a new variant has been confirmed in 10 of the 24 samples tested by the Health Ministry.
According to the ministry, to identify the molecular genetic changes in COVID-19, 24 PCR, and antigen-positive samples were collected in March at the National Public Health Laboratory through random sampling. Of the 24 samples collected, two tested positive for BA.1.1, two for BA. 2, and one for BA. 2.76, 2 for BA.5, two for BA. 5.2, 10 for XBB 1.16, three for XBB 1.5, one for XBB 2.6, and one for XBF.
The health ministry has urged people traveling from abroad to get tested for coronavirus infection at the health desk at borders, and to get necessary treatment and counselling from nearby hospitals if tested positive, arranged by the ministry, saying that the new variant is spreading rapidly in neighbouring India.
Ministry has urged denizens to not overlook symptoms of cough, cold, and running nose, and to stay in isolation if these symptoms are observed, vigilant follow the health safety standards, saying that the spreading of COVID-19 can be curbed with the collective effort of all.
76 new cases (RT-PCR and antigen tests combined) of COVID-19 have been confirmed on Monday while 16 people recovered from the disease, according to a press release issued by the Health Ministry.
