By Arjun Kafle, Syangja, July 28: The Syangja district has been sealed for 10 days after 21 security officials tested positive for COVID-19.

To contain the spread of virus in community, all the services except essential services have been completely halted in the district.

Ganga Bahadur Chhetri, Chief District Officer of Syangja said, "After 21 police officials including the police chief were found with the virus infection, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) decided to seal off the district."

"As per the travel history of all 21 police officials, Putali Bazaar is in high risk of the virus contamination. Thus, in order to prevent community transfer of the virus, all the services except essential services have been halted," said Chhetri.

Requesting everyone to step out of the house by wearing masks, if there is any urgency; CDO Chhetri asked all the local levels within the district to work effectively to implement all the safety protocols.

Anyone defying the CCMC's decisions will be liable to punishment, said Chhetri.

Meanwhile, Yam Prasad Sharma, Chief of District Health Office, said that the PCR testing of those who had come in direct contact with the security officials would be done in full swing.

In the first phase, elderly people and those suffering from chronic disease who had come in contact with the infected people would be tested, said Sharma.

On July 18, three persons without travel history had tested positive for COVID-19 while on July 27, as many as 21 police officials including the police chief were found with the virus infection.