Kanchanpur: The threat of COVID-19 remains active in Nepal’s Far West region as infections are once again being detected among Nepali returnees from India. On Wednesday, an antigen test at the Gaddachauki border point revealed a positive case in a returnee from Haldwani, India. The patient, a resident of Bardiya, showed severe symptoms including high fever, cough, and respiratory distress, and is currently under treatment in isolation at Mahakali Provincial Hospital, Mahendranagar.

According to Hemraj Joshi, Information Officer at the Far West Province Emergency Operations Center, out of five suspected individuals tested at the border point, only one tested positive. However, the condition of that individual was deemed serious upon arrival.

Dr. Arjun Bhatta, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, informed that the health of the infected patient has improved slightly compared to earlier in the day. He added that this marks the first COVID-19 case requiring isolation in the region since a recent uptick in infections among cross-border travelers.

Dr. Bhatta urged the public to reinstate safety measures such as mask-wearing, hand sanitization, and maintaining physical distancing, especially among people returning from India. He emphasized the importance of quarantine and home isolation compliance to prevent further spread in local communities.

To manage the risk, antigen testing is currently being conducted at five key health desks at border points with India—Gaddachauki (Kanchanpur), Gaurifanta and Khakraula (Kailali), Jhulaghat (Baitadi), and Pulghat (Darchula). Health workers are screening and testing suspected cases entering through these points.

From Jestha 21 to Ashad 4, a total of 23 returnees have tested positive for COVID-19. Of them, 16 have recovered, while 7 remain in home isolation.

Authorities are now calling for increased public awareness and precautionary measures to minimize the risk of further COVID-19 transmission in the border regions.