Nepal’s health experts are warning people to stay alert again. A new COVID-19 wave is hitting parts of Asia, and even though the JN.1 variant has been in Nepal before, it’s spreading fast in nearby countries like India, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Experts say that while most Nepali might already have immunity, the virus is behaving more like the flu now — but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. It can still change and become more dangerous.
Nepal shares an open border with India, and many people travel daily. Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, a leading expert at Teku Hospital, said this makes Nepal vulnerable. Air travel from other countries like Hong Kong and Singapore also brings risks.
The good news is that the government is already acting. Health desks at airports and border points have been told to stay alert. Rapid COVID test kits are ready for use in key areas. Anyone showing symptoms while entering Nepal will be screened and tested.
Dr. Chandra Bhal Jha from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division said that they’re working closely with the World Health Organization and the National Public Health Laboratory. Several meetings have already been held, and more are planned to stay ahead of the virus.
Right now, only one official COVID-19 case is active in Nepal. The person has no serious symptoms. But experts believe there may be more undetected cases.
Other countries are seeing big jumps. In India, there are 257 active cases, with most from Kerala. Singapore had over 14,200 new cases in a week, while Hong Kong recorded 33,000 cases and 31 deaths. These numbers are a sign that the virus is moving again.
Experts are asking people in Nepal to keep wearing masks in crowded places, wash hands regularly, and avoid travel if they feel sick. Even though COVID now feels like the flu, it’s smart to stay prepared. Nepal has handled this before — and can do it again if everyone stays careful.
