Kathmandu, Jan 7 (PTI) Nepal on Friday reported 968 cases of COVID-19, including 24 cases of the Omicron variant, as the government urged hospitals and healthcare workers to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to tackle the surge in infections.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 968 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in the last 24 hours, which included 262 recoveries and no deaths.

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On Thursday, 540 new cases were reported, with 271 recoveries and 1 death.

Additionally, 24 new cases of the Omicron variant were reported on Friday, taking the Himalayan nation's tally to 27, the Ministry of Health said.

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The Ministry of Health confirmed that the cases were discovered in 1,146 COVID-19 positive random samples collected throughout the country.

Fearing a surge in infections, especially in view of the Omicron variant, the health ministry has asked hospitals to stockpile adequate medical supplies, especially oxygen.

There are currently 5,837 active cases of COVID-19 reported in Nepal, with 11,602 deaths.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)