A Norwegian climber has tested positive for COVID-19 in the Mount Everest base camp, calling into question the decision by Nepal to open the world’s highest mountain to climbers.
The positive test has also sparked fears the virus could spread among the hundreds of other climbers, guides and helpers.
Norwegian climber Erlend Ness revealed on Friday that he tested positive on April 15.
He said another test on Thursday was negative and after being airlifted to Kathmandu, where he was hospitalised, he was now staying with a local family in Nepal.
“My diagnosis is Covid-19,” said Ness. “I’m doing OK now … The hospital is taking care (of me).”
“I really hope that none of the others get infected with corona high up in the mountain,” Mr Ness told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
“It is impossible to evacuate people with a helicopter when they’re above 8,000 metres.”
“Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes, so any outbreak of disease among climbers presents urgent health risks.”
-more to come
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