By Dipak Prasad Gautam, Birgunj, July 23: As many as 17 persons including two doctors and three patients of the Advance Hospital, Birgunj, have tested positive for COVID-19.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests of their swabs were performed at PCR laboratory of Narayani Hospital, Birgunj.

According to the PCR test report that came out Wednesday night, two doctors of hte hospital and three patients receiving treatment at the Hospital and 12 others were found with the virus infection, said Dr. Udaya Narayan Singh, coordinator of Narayani Hospital.

A 70-year old male who died on Tuesday was also found to be COVID-19 positive in PCR test conducted on Wednesday.

“Preparations are underway to admit remaining 16 COVID-19 patients to Gandak Temporary COVID-19 Hospital under Narayani Hospital,” said Dr. Singh.

Jayamod Thakur, public health inspector of Parsa Health Office, said, “As the virus might have entered into the community, all authorities must work in coordination with each other to contain the virus spread.”

Currently, 29 COVID-19 patients, six females and 23 males, are receiving treatment in temporary COVID-19 hospital. Once the newly identified patients will get admitted to the hospital, the number will increase to 45.