Nepal’s neighbour China is seeing a huge outbreak of coronavirus cases after three years of its first outbreak in Wuhan. The winter season can play a catalyst role in spreading the virus further. However, travel restrictions have been eased for people travelling from China. Amidst this, several countries have made COVID tests of people arriving from China compulsory. Due to geographical proximity, Nepal is vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus coming from China.

As of now, the reported cases in Nepal are very few, with high recovery and zero death rate. However, with surges in neighbouring nations, the danger still remains. The new sub-variant of COVID-19 ‘BF-7’ spreading in neighbouring countries and elsewhere makes it likely to be transferred to Nepal as well.

Recently, India has also seen another outbreak of coronavirus raising concerns regarding the role of the Nepal-India border in bringing the virus to Nepal. So far, border authorities have started to take precautions through the regulation of inter-border activities. Travellers entering Nepal from Indian borders are required to take a mandatory test for COVID-19 before entering. Likewise, health desks have been set up at different areas at the border.