Bandari, Nepal President, Tests Positive for COVID-19

President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] It has been reported that Bidya Devi Bhandari, the President of Nepal, who was hospitalized with high fever symptoms, has been infected with COVID-19.

According to local media on the 10th, President Bhandari, who was admitted to a university hospital in the capital city Kathmandu on the 8th, tested positive for COVID-19 the day before.

The presidential office stated, "President Bhandari was hospitalized and has been receiving treatment due to high fever and body-wide pain," adding, "There are no other complications."

President Bhandari was elected as Nepal's first female president in 2015 and was re-elected in 2018. Nepal is a parliamentary system where the prime minister holds executive power, and the president serves as a symbolic head of state.