A 45-year-old male has succumbed to coronavirus infection COVID-19 – with this the total national death due to coronavirus infection has reached double digit.

The deceased was a permanent resident of Siluwa rural municipality, Palpa.

According to Ministry of Health and Population, the man had returned from India five days back and was kept at a local quarantine center.

He was taken to Mission Hospital, Palpa three days ago after he suffered from respiratory problems. He breathed his last the following day and after that, his swab sample was taken for PCR test.

Dr Bikash Devkota said that with daily increase in deaths and coronavirus cases, MoHP is preparing a health sector emergency response plan.

He informed about the government’s preparation to declare a public health emergency. The decision has been sent to Council of Ministers for approval.