Nepal sees spike in COVID-19 deaths, infections
Death toll crosses 600, infections jump to over 100,000 as government faces flak over lack of preparedness
KATHMANDU, Nepal
With 10 more deaths on Friday, the coronavirus death toll in Nepal crossed 600, while the number of total infections jumped to over 100,000, a Health Ministry spokesman said.
Over the past 24 hours, infections increased by 2,059 to reach 100,676, spokesman Jageshwor Gautam told a news briefing.
On Thursday, Nepal reported the highest single-day infections at 4,364, nearly half of them in the capital Kathmandu.
While the government was quick to impose a nationwide lockdown in March, which was lifted in mid-July, it has come under fire for lax implementation of preventive measures and lack of preparedness.
Last week, three of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's advisors tested positive for COVID-19.
On Friday, all three reported recovery from the disease, but the virus’ spread into the prime minister's inner circle raised questions about preventive measures.
During a news briefing on Wednesday, the spokesman urged infected people to visit hospitals only in case of an emergency, drawing criticism from the public and news media.
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