Apr 04, Kathmandu- A new variant of Omicron 'XBB.1.16' of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, the new variant that has spread in neighboring India has also been confirmed in Nepal.

Private sequencing of 24 samples collected in this month of Chaitra was done, in which the omicron variant was found in all 24. Out of the 24 people who have been confirmed to have corona, new variants have appeared in 9 of them.

It has been found that 9 subvariants of Omicron are currently active in Nepal. XBB.1.16, which was found last time, is the most.

As the new variant is spreading in India as well, the ministry has said that arrangements have been made for corona testing and mask mandatory in the border areas.

In addition, the ministry has requested to be sensitive to increase effective roles from all levels for prevention and control, as the seasonal flu, as well as covid-19 infection, is also increasing in Nepal.