KATHMANDU, Oct 11 (NNN-NEPALNEWS) – Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first minister hit by the virus.
In a social media post, the minister said, his swab was tested yesterday morning. After testing negative on Oct 5, he participated in some events outside the capital, Kathmandu. After developing a fever on Friday evening, he got himself tested again Saturday and found to be infected.
“Till now, no other health complication has appeared except for marginal fever,” he wrote.
Bhattarai later confirmed of his infection in a telephone conversation. “I have been staying at home, after testing positive for the virus,” he said.
The minister fell victim to the virus after the infection of at least five of Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli’s aides.
Some of the aides reported negative results of new tests, after days of home isolation. Press advisor, Surya Thapa, said, he was given all-clear by the latest test.
The aides’ infections raised concern about risks for the prime minister. Bhattarai said, they maintained adequate social distance with the prime minister and followed other health protocols during cabinet meetings.
As of yesterday, Nepal recorded a total of 105,684 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the health ministry.– NNN-NEPALNEWS
