By Dipendra Prasad Shah, Rajbiraj, May 4: In Saptari, 368 people including 318 who were living in same area as COVID-19 patients have tested negative for the virus in swab test done through PCR technique.  .

The swab samples were sent to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan where all of the COVID-19 suspects tested negative for the virus, said Duniya Lal Yadav, Chief of District Health Office.

Likewise, Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, Rajbiraj, has sent 51 swab samples for testing to the BPKIHS out of which, 50 have tested negative and result of the other ones is yet to come, said Dr. Chuman Lal Dahal, Medical Superintendent of the hospital.

Travel history of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Bhulke, Triyuga Municipality-3, in Udaypur district, is linked in different settlements where Isjitma was organized on 15-17 February, including Bodebarasain Municipality-8, Saptari .

Thus, 318 swab samples from all neighbouring areas of the Munciipality were collected and sent to the BPKIHS.

People have been relieved, as many had tested negative for virus.

"Though there are not any confirmed cases in the area, people should be in high alert and should follow the given protocol of lockdown," said Dahal.  "Altogether 343 people including 40 females and 203 have been quarantined in the district."