Corona effect in Nepal: With a major target of 2 million tourists arriving in Visit Nepal 2020, the expectation of tourism development and success was very high with all positive factors. Nepal as a developing country was expecting a major development and increase of the economy with the help of #Visitnepal2020.
The first case of COVID-19 was seen in a group of people in December at Wuhan, China. Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai stated that Nepal was a corona free zone and the expectation of the visit Nepal 2020 campaign was very high until Mid-February. After the global outbreak of COVID-19, he later realized the risk of COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal.
UNTIL TODAY
572 Nepalese individuals tested COVID-19
All of them are negative.
Unwillingly Nepal has to cancel its all tourism promotions and marketing overseas for the time being. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that Nepal is a country having a high possible impact of COVID-19. If it outbreaks, the condition can be worst.
After the realization of the possible outbreak of COVID-19 and the statement by WHO, the Nepal government has taken preventive steps to control the possible outbreak of COVID-19 in Nepal.
Steps from the Nepal Government for corona effect in Nepal
- Announced to hold all tourist visas from March 14th to April 30th, 2020 granted in the immigration during the arrival.
- 14 days quarantine period for all foreigners, as well as Nepalese citizens entering Nepal from March 14th. (even who have swab test PCR certificate)
- Closed international flights from March 20th.
- Partial lockdown with a complete halt of long-distance transport services from March 23rd.
- Other non-essential services (both public and private sector) from March 23rd till further notice.
- Closed all the land borders to its native country; India and China.
(These holds and lockdown may be extended with situations)
Though this is a good and most important step by Nepal Government, a huge effect has been made on tourism as well as airlines business. With the promotion of Visitnepal2020, all the entrepreneurs were expecting a great development of the nation’s economy. All the foreigners who were willing to travel around Nepal have to wait until the impact of COVID-19 is under control globally. All the springs climbers, trekkers including the ascenders of the Everest have to postpone their activities due to this outbreak. COVID-19 has made a major impact on the tourism sector and also put an end to the VisitNepal2020 campaign and all the possible business of the peak season. Most of the travelers postponed their travel while others canceled due to the corona outbreak.
Similarly, every sector is being affected by the influence of the corona effect in Nepal and the economy of the country is shrinking.
Former Gurkha Soldier Leela Bahadur Rai (Aged 66) from Nepal died in United Kingdom.
COVID-19 and Symptoms
According to World Health Organization (WHO) –“Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from a common cold to severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.”
Common symptoms of the disease include fever, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Normal Symptoms of COVID-19 (2-14 days of exposure)
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortening of breath.
Emergency warnings:
- Trouble in breathing
- Persistent pain in the chest
- Bluish lips or face
(Other symptoms may also be seen)
Preventive Measures to control corona effect in Nepal
With the increasing risk of COVID-19, the Government has halted all the unnecessary services. The government announced a partial lockdown and advised every citizen to stay at their home as a self-quarantine. This simple step can reduce the possible outbreak of COVID-19 and the corona effect in Nepal.
Due to the poor health condition of Nepal, it is very important to take self-care during this period. Let’s look at the possible self-preventive measures:
- Wash our hands with soap and water timely.
- Frequent use of sanitizers and alcohol-based handwash.
- Use of masks and hand gloves.
- Avoid crowds and gatherings.
- Better not to visit relatives and friends during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Cover our nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing.
- Drink plenty of hot water and lemon water.
- Do not go out until it is necessary.
- Seek medical assistance, if you have any related symptoms.
- Do not believe in the news unless it is authorized by WHO or any other official site.
Besides this, Nepal Government is managing all the possible places to make a quarantine room for the emergency situation of COVID-19 in Nepal. Various public, private, national as well as international agencies are working in collaboration with the government to fight against the possible outbreak of COVID-19.
Worldometer COVID-19.
Corona Nepal.
