Indian double-mutant COVID strain found in neighbouring Nepal as cases explode

Coronavirus cases in Nepal have exploded as the virulent Indian strain of the virus crosses the two neighbouring countries’ open border. 

The seven-day average of new daily cases in Nepal rose to 4,544 on May 1 — up from just 136 at the start of April.

The surge in infections last week prompted the government to impose new lockdowns in major cities and towns, restricting the movement of people and vehicles and shuttering markets, offices and schools.

Tens of thousands of people rushed out of Kathmandu to avoid the 15-day shutdown that began on Thursday.