3 member of a family residing in Suncity Apartment have been placed in isolation after they tested positive for COVID-19 during a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) in Kathmandu valley on Monday.
Here’s what we know so far:
- They are currently placed in isolation at Patan Hospital.
- The suspected three tested positive for an RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test). Following procedure, their throat swab samples have been collected and sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for a PCR (polymerise chain reaction) check. It must be noted that RDT tests are independently unreliable. As per the website of WHO, “at present, based on current evidence, WHO recommends the use of these new point-of-care immunodiagnostic tests only in research settings. They should not be used in any other setting, including for clinical decision-making, until evidence supporting use for specific indications is available. Therefore, PCR reports must be waited for before a confirmation on their status can be made.
- All three suspected for COVID-19 arrived from the UK on 18th March, 2020. They were living in Suncity Apartment, Kageshwori Manohara, Kathmandu.
- Following the discovery, and as a precautionary method, the apartment has been sealed by the local police – residents are being prevented from going out of the apartment and oustiders are beind denied entry.
- PCR reports of the three will be made available tomorrow – the health status of the three is normal, with no immediate threats perceived.
This is a developing story – further updates will be shared once received.
COVID-19 in Nepal:
As of 13th April, 2020, Nepal has reported 14 confirmed cases (including one recovery) of the novel coronavirus. 13 active cases are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Nepal, and are said to be in a stable condition. Confirmed cases have been reported from Kathmandu, Baglung, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Birgunj, and Rautahat districts.
