By Chhetu Sherpa, Kathmandu, May. 3: The government's data has revealed that the prevalence of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan region was lesser if compared to other regions.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), only 18 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Manang until now. Similarly, 49 infections have been confirmed in Mustang, 65 in Dolpa, 45 in Mugu, 52 in Humla, 208 in Taplejung, 442 in Sankhuwasabha, 228 in Solukhumbu, 867 in Dolakha, 1,225 in Sindhupakchowk, 297 in Rasuwa and 1,834 in Gorkha.

"Lesser population and clean environment are the major reasons behind low coronavirus infection rate in Himalayan districts," said Dr. Shankar Kafle, consultant pathologist of National Public Health Laboratory.

It has been found that the infection rate in Terai region is over 500 per cent higher than the Himalayan region. "Terai area has a hot climate and denser population which is one of the reasons behind surging infection rate in the Terai," Dr. Kafle added.

Stating that defying the health safety protocols had also contributed in the spread of the virus in the hilly and Terai region, Dr. Kafle recommended everyone to carefully abide by the public health standards.

Morang district has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases after Kathmandu. Currently, Morang's coronavirus tally is at 14,839. Similarly, 9,780 cases have been confirmed in Sunsari, 14,034 in Rupandehi, 10,721 in Banke and 7,624 in Kailali.

Following a massive surge in the COVID-19 tally across the nation, the government has imposed prohibitory order from April 29.

As of today, the nation's coronavirus caseload is 336,030 and the death count is 3,325.