By Bhagawan Giri, Lisbon, March 23:  One Nepali in Portugal has been confirmed to have been infected with COVID-19 and is under medication at a hospital there, it has been reported. Three other suspected Nepalis are quarantined. However, the final medical reports of the three are awaited.     

The infected person, who works in the agricultural sector is admitted to a Faro-based hospital.    

Portugal, a country within the European Union, housing a portion of Nepalis has been already declared a state of emergency to stem the spread of the virus.    

Though a media last week claimed that 74 Nepali were in quarantine here on the suspicion of catching the virus, a team representing the Nepali community which had reached the quarantine facility with the help of High Commissioner for Migrants and the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) found that only three Nepalis along with other 57 people, all from the South Asia including 39 Indians, seven Pakistani and three Bengali nationals have been quarantined at the Faro-based San Antonio School.    

The delegation from the Portugal-based Non-Resident Nepali Association also met three quarantined Nepalis at the San Antonio School, Faro. On the occasion, the team member and Association treasurer Bikram Jung Kunwar urged the three not to be panic as the NRNA Portgual was always with them during this crisis. The Nepali community in Portugal has been urged to contact at 969190919, the mobile number of Office of Consulate of Nepal in Lisbon during emergency for any necessary consultations relating their health issues.

They have been requested to take preventive measures against the disease.    

Nepali community in Portugal have been urged to stay at home and to avoid all non-essential movements and travel to safety, according to Makar Bahadur Hamal, Honorary Consul of Nepal for Portugal.    

Until the filing of this report, there are 14 deaths caused by the COVID-19 and 1,600 have been infected in Portugal, it is said.    

The Nepali in Embassy has been taking diplomatic efforts to ensure quality treatment of the infected Nepalis and food, medical checkup and safety for those in quarantine.