Global Pandemic: Noval Corona Virus Updates
Update: 2020/03/24
World wide updates
- According to WHO, as of today, 334,981 cases are confirmed. There are total14,652 death cases globally.
- In SEAR ( South East Asian Region ), as of date 3/23/2020, there were 1776 confirmed and 58 deaths.
National updates
As of today, in Nepal total tested cases are 610. Out of the total, 608 cases were negative where two cases were positive. One case has already been recovered which was tested on 2076/10/09. The second case has been confirmed in 2076/12/09 who was in-home quarantine since 12/04. She is now in isolation in Sukraraj Tropical and Communicable Disease Hospital.
Updates of today
- Nepal government announces the complete lockdown for seven days to be applicable from the early morning of March 24, 2020.
- The lockdown rule also applies to international flights.
- Nepal prepares the hospital of Kathmandu valley for the treatment of 1000 patients in normal beds and 120 ICU beds. Plus 125 ICU beds in every province.
- Government postpones the Rubella vaccination program till mid-April.
- Government orders every hospital to manage COVID -19 cases according to the “Algorithm to suspect COVID-19 infection based on the WHO Surveillance Case Definition”.
- Nepal Government technical committee plans for the prevention, control, and infection of Covid-19 “Protocol for COVID-19 Screening at Point of Entry”.
Novel Corona Virus Outbreak: Is Nepal safe to travel?
Since there is no verified case of Coronavirus infection registered, Nepal is safe to Travel. However, Nepal is listed under the high-risk zone by WHO for the Corona outbreak. Recently has changed some of its immigration rules regarding the issuance of on-arrival visas for some countries. Putting the top priority for the security and health concerns Nepal takes the initiative.
The novel coronavirus (nCoV) is that the most embryonic virus/disease within the world of this date that originally appeared in Wuhan, China on 31st December 2019. This virus has influenced most of the countries within the world but the foremost affected remains China, as over 66,000 people are affected and 1300 people have already died due to this virus and therefore the count remains happening. Diagnosis is feasible to the date but vaccines are yet to be discovered, which makes it riskier. it’s become the subject of major concern because the virus is spreading around the country. This virus is termed to spread early from animal to human with immediate contact at large seafood and live animal market, then from human to human within the community.
Has it affected Travel in Nepal?
Unfortunately, similar to the rest of the world, it has badly affected the travel tourism of Nepal. The tourism season here was just to begin and now lots of travelers with prior bookings have canceled their trip. However, there is no effect of the virus in the daily life of the people living here. Unlike the people from several countries, they look comfortable and with no worries.
As Nepal shares an in-depth border with China, people find it obvious that Nepal will likewise are available in contact with the virus. But Nepal is safe to go to. The virus has not influenced the country in the least. With the primary diagnostic of coronavirus in China, the inter countries’ transport pauses. it’s had less chance of viruses entering Nepal. WHO has been organizing meetings and forums of funders and over 300 researchers and scientists to research and find the cure for it. Also, WHO has declared it as a worldwide concern and health emergency, not only in China and its neighborhood but all around the world. The National Health Public Laboratory is additionally working for vaccine development and rapid diagnostic of this virus.
Is coronavirus a real threat to Nepal?
Nepal has halted its National Tourism Campaign, Visit Nepal 2020. The campaign had the aim of receiving 2 million tourists in Nepal, and therefore the emergence of coronavirus in China, has spread fear in visitors’ minds that ‘Will it’s safe to go to Nepal?’ it’s a clear issue, but with the statistics and records published, the coronavirus infection has marked to be negligible in Nepal, hence the diagnostic result’s negative. It makes Nepal very safe to go to and explore around. Also, if it enters Nepal, there’s less chance of it spreading, as initial diagnosis and preventive measures are already released by other countries. And, with proper and immediate government actions and medical support, there remains a negligible chance of the infection spreading throughout. Also, with timely diagnosis and drugs, those who were suffering from this virus are completely recovered and are now out of danger.
Symptoms of novel coronavirus:
- Common symptoms: cold, respiratory uneasiness, shortness of breath, fever, and cough, pharyngitis, and rapid heartbeat
- Severe case symptoms: infection causing the severe acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, renal failure, and death too
Prevention Measures for novel coronavirus / Protect yourself and others
- Wearing the face masks while walking around
- Covering nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing
- Washing hands regularly using soap and using hand sanitizers
- Consuming the thoroughly cooked non-veg items, eggs, and other vegetables
- Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms like sneezing and coughing
- Visiting the health worker for a timely check-up if any doubt.
Being the neighbor of the victimized country, China, Nepal holds the best responsibility to preserve its citizens from this general to severe epidemic. The main steps taken forth by the Government of Nepal include:
- Nepal halted trade with China since its diagnostic
- Rasuwagadi border is close since January 28, 2020
- Nepal has suspended all the flights from China to Nepal
- Set up health desk at Tribhuvan International Airport for checking any suspicious entries
- The government strictly orders the hospitals to remain very careful about this virus and immediately inform the Health Ministry if any kind of respectful case
Although these are happening throughout the world, Nepal shows a serious concern and alerts everyone to stay safe and follow the precaution measures.
We, the team of Oriental Journeys present our heartfelt condolence to the deceased one and pray with god for the speedy recovery of all the infected people throughout the world.