By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Jan. 7: Nepal on Friday reported 24 new cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Issuing a press statement, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) informed that in the gene sequencing of 250 swab samples, the Omicron variant was confirmed in 24 samples.

"During the S-gene screening of 1,146 COVID-19 positive swab samples, 22%, i.e., 250 samples tested S-gene Negative and during the gene sequencing of those 250 suspected samples, the new variant was detected in 24 samples," said Dr. Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra, spokesperson at the MoHP.

Similarly, considering the probable spike in active cases of COVID-19 due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the Health Ministry has directed all the hospitals and health workers across the nation to begin preparations to fight the possible outbreak by making necessary arrangements of oxygen and other healthcare materials.

Dr. Mishra said that the government has managed to place people entering Nepal from various border points who test COVID-19 positive in isolation.

"Also, the facility of gene screening has been made available in various hospitals including Bir Hospital, Civil Hospital, Birendra Sainik Hospital, TU Teaching Hospital, Province 2 Public Health Laboratory and Bheri Hospital," she said.

She further requested everyone to abide by the public health standards to check the spread of Omicron in Nepal.