KATHMANDU, May 22 -- Nepal reported a total of 487cases of COVID-19 as of Friday morning since the first case was confirmed on January 24.

With the number of tests being expedited and the increasing number of Nepalis entering from the southern border, Nepal has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in recent days.

According to the latest statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Population earlier today, 30 new patients contracted this virus in Nawalparasi (East), Nawalparasi (West), Chitwan, Sarlahi and Kapilvastu districts.

Of the total confirmed cases, three patients-- one each from Sindhupalchowk, Banke and Gulmi district died of this disease while 49 have recovered and returned home.

As of F...