Kathmandu : A new variant of Omicron ‘XBB1.16’, spreading in the neighboring country India, has also been detected in Nepal.

Dr. Sameer Kumar Adhikari, assistant spokesperson to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), said that a new variant has been confirmed in 10 of the 24 samples tested.

According to MoHP, to identify the molecular genetic changes in COVID-19, 24 PCR, and antigen-positive samples were collected in March at the National Public Health Laboratory through random sampling. Of the 24 samples collected, two tested positive for BA.1.1, two for BA. 2, and one for BA. 2.76, 2 for BA.5, two for BA. 5.2, 10 for XBB 1.16, three for XBB 1.5, one for XBB 2.6, and one for XBF.

MOHP has urged people traveling from abroad to get tested for coronavirus infection at the health desk at borders, and to get necessary treatment and counseling from nearby hospitals if tested positive, arranged by the ministry, saying that the new variant is spreading rapidly in neighboring country India.

Ministry has requested denizens to not overlook symptoms of cough, cold, and running nose, and to stay in isolation if these symptoms are observed, vigilant follow the health safety standards, saying that the spreading of COVID-19 can be curbed with the collective effort of all.

76 new cases (RT-PCR and antigen tests combined) of COVID-19 have been confirmed on Monday while 16 people recovered from the disease.