evidence: - December 27 – Everest veteran Yasuo Kato made the second winter ascent and became the first climber to summit Everest in three different seasons. He climbed alone from the South Summit. On his descent, he and his climbing companion Toshiaki Kobayashi bivouacked below the south summit. They failed to return in bad weather.[62] [...] During the season, there were several outbreaks of COVID-19 among climbers, compounded by the Nepalese Department of Tourism neglecting to establish any rules or regulations to mitigate the risk of outbreaks at the South Base Camp.[148][147] Furthermore, the Nepalese government did not officially acknowledge any cases or outbreaks of COVID on Mount Everest,[147][149][150] and there were prohibitions enforced about what climbers were allowed to take photographs of,[147][149][151] prompting concerns about the Nepalese government attempting to cover up these problems.[147][149] [...] - ^ "Asia, Nepal, Everest Winter Ascent and Tragedy". American Alpine Journal. 25 (57): 229. 1983. Retrieved 2014-02-01.