Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population has decided to conduct 300,000 to 500,000 antigen tests across the country’s major cities to confirm the spread of COVID-19 as the number of new infections continues to decline following the government decision to stop free tests and contact tracing since October 17.

“To confirm the actual spread of the infection, we will conduct antigen tests in all major cities and high-risk areas across the country,” Dr Basudev Pandey, director at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, told the Post. “Samples will be collected in areas where there are over 200 infections.”

The Health Ministry first rolled out the antigen tests in Kathmandu Valley, which they stopped within a few days, citing misleading reports and low participation of the public. The move had also drawn criticisms from public health experts who said the antigen tests were a waste of resources as they were carried out without setting proper goals.

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