By Dhirendra Prasad Sah, Rajbiraj, July 19: Five family members of 73-year old Ram Krishna Das of Rajbiraj Municipality-6, Saptari, who died of COVID-19 four days ago, have tested positive for the virus.

“Deceased’s 67-year old wife, 45-year old son, 36-year old daughter-in-law, 17-year old grandson and 11-year old granddaughter were found with the virus infection,” informed Duniyalal Yadav, chief of Saptari Health Office.

COVID-19 test report of other 29 people including his family members and staffs is yet to be received.

Ram Krishna Das had returned to Nepal 13 days ago from India. He was also suffering from diabetes and heart disease. After testing positive for COVID-19, he breathed his last at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan four days ago.

His house has been sealed after his death.

With this, the COVID-19 caseload of Saptari district has reached 376, informed the District Health Office.

Sarmila Chaudhary, an official of the health office, said that 32 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the district on Sunday.

Of the infected, seven are females and 25 are males belonging to age group from 7-67.  Three from Kanchanrup Municipality, six from Khadak Municipality, seven from Surunga Municipality, five each from Balanbihul Rural Municipality, Chinnamasta Rural Municipality and Rajbiraj Municipality and one from Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality were found with the virus infection on Sunday.

Their swab tests were performed in Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, Rajbiraj.