Eight Nepalis in Australia infected with coronavirus: Embassy of Nepal in Australia

KATHMANDU, March 29:  A total of eight Nepalis students living in Australia have tested positive for coronavirus, said the Embassy of Nepal in Australia on Sunday. Of the infected, four are from New South Wales, three are from Victoria and one from Tasmania.

“The one patient from Tasmania has recovered while seven other students are doing well and in quarantine at their respective homes,” the Embassy wrote on its Facebook page.

“We wish them a quick recovery and thank the team NRNA and other Nepali community organizations for their kind work and support to the needy both at self-isolation as well as in quarantine at this difficult time,” it added.

The embassy also said it is making efforts to evacuate the Nepali students who are in a difficult situation.

“The Embassy is closely following up on the situation that has developed here in Australia as a result of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and has been communicating with the concerned agencies/authorities of Australian Government to address the situation and provide necessary support measures to the Nepali international students, temporary residents and the Nepali community affected by the COVID-19.”

“We have been receiving queries regarding the evacuation of some Nepalis (students, visiting parents and temporary visa holders) who are in difficult situations here and wish to return to Nepal at the earliest possible. Considering the ongoing situation of COVID-19, the Embassy has been coordinating with the authorities in Kathmandu to manage their safe return to Nepal.”

Australia has reported 3,969 cases and 16 deaths since the virus was first detected there on January 24.