By Ajita Rijal

Kathmandu, June 4: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) confirmed ninth COVID-19 death in Nepal on Wednesday.
A 76-year-old man from Dolakha, who tested positive for COVID-19, died during treatment at TU Teaching Hospital Wednesday morning, according to Dr Bikash Devkota, spokesperson for the MoHP.
According to Dr Devkota, the patient was admitted to Sinamangal-based Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) on May 26 after suffering a haemorrhage. His swab sample was collected for PCR test which came out positive for COVID-19 on May 28.
The patient was then transferred to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) where he was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, said Dr Devkota.
Caseload rises to 2,300
The MoHP on Wednesday confirmed 201 new cases of COVID-19, taking Nepal’s tally to 2,300.
Among newly infected, 179 are males and 22 females, said Dr Devkota. In total, 2,130 males and 170 females are recorded to have been infected with the disease.
“The newly infected 201 persons are from Dhankuta, Saptari, Taplejung, Jhapa, Panchthar, Sunsari, Parsa, Dailekh, Salyan, Morang, Kailali, Doti, Kapilvastu, Palpa, Rupandehi, Mahottari, Kalikot, Dang, Pyuthan, Dhanusha, Kathmandu, Nawalparasi, Rautahat, Sarlahi and Sindhupalchowk districts,” said Dr Devkota.
As per the latest update, the virus has spread to 64 districts across the nation.
Meanwhile, 12 people have been discharged following recovery, and the total recovered cases are 278, of which 222 are males and 56 females.
Only those who need oxygen, ventilator will be admitted: Minister Dhakal
Minister for Health and Population Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal has said that only those COVID-19 patients who need oxygen and ventilator support will be admitted to the hospitals as the cases of the virus have already reached more than 2,000 in the country.
Speaking while receiving health materials provided by the Health Environment and Climate Action Foundation (HECAF 360) at the ministry on Wednesday, minister Dhakal said isolation rooms would be set up to keep patients with mild symptoms and normal health conditions.
The government is changing its policy for treating the COVID-19 patients to ensure hospitalisation and treatment for those who need critical care for having severe health conditions, said Minister Dhakal, adding worldwide practice must be adopted.
So far, it is noticed that 80 per cent COVID-19 infected do not show severe symptoms, said minister Dhakal.
“It was estimated that positive cases would

reach up to 15,000 and arrangements would be made for the hospitalisation of five per cent of the number,” said Minister Dhakal.
Minister Dhakal assured to distribute the received assistance materials as per the need. Foundation Chair Mahesh Nakarmi said the assistance was equivalent to Rs 17 million including 30 ventilators.
The Foundation is ready to cooperate with the government for the control and treatment of coronavirus, said Nakarmi.
The assistance was provided at the initiation of Tzu Chi Foundation which has its chapters in 63 countries including the UK, US, China and Canada.