 Medical officials say Kathmandu Hospital has been preparing to take in more coronavirus patients as the Delta variant was showing signs of spreading in the Himalayan nation. Authorities extended a lockdown, which was due to end Wednesday, by a week to stem the spread as new cases rose by more than 3,000 on Tuesday. The government was gradually opening up the economy by easing restrictions. The Delta led to a rise in the COVID-19 cases after people came out of their homes and resumed regular activities. Nepal has reported 7,290 cases and 9,922 deaths so far.