Baitadi: Three individuals from Sudurpaschim Province who recently returned from India have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Health Directorate of the province.

Hemraj Joshi, the epidemiology contact person at the Far West Province Health Directorate, confirmed that two men and one woman tested positive among 36 individuals who underwent COVID screening at the Gaurifanta border point. The infected individuals include a 20-year-old man from Punarsha in Kanchanpur, a 32-year-old man from Dhakari in Achham, and a 24-year-old woman from Dhangadhi in Kailali.

“We have advised all three individuals to remain in home isolation,” Joshi stated. He added that their samples have been sent to the Central Public Health Laboratory in Teku, Kathmandu, for PCR testing. “Once the tests are completed, we will determine which variant of COVID-19 they are carrying,” he said.

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in neighboring India and other countries, Nepal’s health authorities have intensified surveillance along its borders, particularly in the Far West region, to prevent a potential outbreak.

The Department of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Population has instructed hospitals, laboratories, and all subordinate offices to remain on high alert due to the risk of a new wave of infections. However, despite these precautions, the Far West Province is currently facing a shortage of COVID testing kits, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness in managing a possible surge in cases.