[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As COVID-19 cases surge in India, the spread in neighboring countries has also intensified.
According to CNN on the 29th (local time), Nepal has recently been reporting thousands of new cases daily. Considering that the daily new cases were only around 50 to 100 until February this year, this is an explosive spread.
An official from Nepal's Epidemiology and Disease Control Division said, "Nepalese coming from India are partly responsible for the increase in infections," adding, "Open markets, crowded public places, and festivals held without public health awareness are also causes."
The Nepalese government has imposed a 15-day lockdown in major cities starting today.
Bangladesh also saw a resurgence of COVID-19 last month, reaching its peak earlier this month.
Bangladesh implemented lockdown measures and suspended air travel to temporarily curb the spread. Considering the dire situation in India, on the 26th, Bangladesh closed its border with India for two weeks, allowing only trade.
Pakistan has also experienced a surge in cases since early last month. Yesterday, it recorded the highest number of deaths ever at 201.
With no confirmed cases of the variant virus from India, Pakistan has completely banned entry from India since the 19th.
Last week, Pakistan's National Command and Operation Center for COVID-19 announced, "We have used up 90% of our oxygen supply, creating an emergency."
Accordingly, the government mobilized the military to enforce quarantine guidelines and issued additional regulations including the closure of restaurants, gyms, and elementary to high schools. The travel industry has been halted, and movement between provinces will be prohibited during the important Islamic festival of Eid next month.
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