By Deepak Prasad Gautam, Birgunj, Aug. 3: As many as 70 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Parsa on Sunday.

"In the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test report, which came out late on Sunday evening, 70 persons of Parsa and three of Bara were identified with the virus infection," informed Dr. Madan Upadhyaya, Medical Superintendent of Narayani Hospital.

The virus infection was detected in ward chair, journalists, police personnel, health workers, Nepali Army (NA) personnel and Indian nationals belonging to age group from 10 to 77 years, added Dr. Upadhyaya. Of the 70 infected, 12 are females.

"Ward Chair of Birgunj Metropolitan City-12, three police officials of Shrepur Ward Police Office, a 39-year old journalist and a health worker, NA official and Indian national contracted the virus," said Dr. Upadhyaya.

After a jailbird was detected with the virus infection, the Shreepur Ward Police Office was sealed and swab samples of 48 police officials were collected for the PCR test.

Dr. Upadhyaya said that all new COVID-19 patients were identified via mass testing and contact tracing.

As many as 425 cases of virus infection have been recorded in Parsa District from July 16, taking the district's caseload to 577.