The COVID-19 pandemic has sent a terrible shockwave across the world, affecting the lives of millions of people. The condition is not different in Nepal. Sudden lockdown and halt of almost 90 percent of the economic activities have sent the resident Nepali into a state of turmoil.
Essential and Non-essential services
Currently, the non-essential services in Nepal have been suspended, such as gyms, salons, cinema halls, malls, clubs, bars, etc. The restaurants are open but only with the option of takeaway.
The essential services are open such as hospitals, banks, grocery stores, etc. However, they are only strictly following social distancing norms. This step was taken by the government to ensure the safety of the people and stop the spread of COVID-19.
The vehicles run in an odd and even number system according to the date in the Nepali calendar, except for ambulance and other essential services.
Total/Active Cases in Nepal
There are more than 36,000 cases of COVID-19 cases in Nepal, where more than 20,000 people have already recovered, which shows the country’s high recovery rate. Although the cases have been increasing daily, our frontline workers are doing a fantastic job of recovering COVID-19 patients.
The PCR tests are also available in abundance to quickly identify the COVID-19 positive people so that they can be taken to the hospital for recovery as soon as possible. There are almost 12,000 PCR tests carried out in one day across Nepal.
Mortality Rate
Out of the 30,000 cases, there have just more than 150 deaths so far. Recent reports suggest that the casualties occur more with people who have a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes, heart problem, asthma, liver or kidney problems, etc.
Government Efforts
The government of Nepal is putting forward all its resources to stop the spread of infection of COVID-19. The government of Nepal has thus issued all land ports to be closed until further notice. Domestic as well as international flights have been suspended up until 31 August. This also means that VISA upon arrival has also been suspended for all visitors.
All academic examinations are canceled, and schools and colleges are closed. There are quarantine centers and temporary hospitals set up throughout the country. Laboratory facilities are being upgraded and expanded.
Tourism in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is the best traveler’s impression of a place in the world. Travel and tourism activities have also come to a close following the lockdown. The government suspended the initiative ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ on 3 March in response to worldwide cases multiplying and amid increasing public concern. Soon after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on 13 March by the World Health Organization (WHO), the government suspended all mountaineering expedition permits and revoked all visas. Now, tourism activities are expected to start in the spring of 2021.
Silver Lining in the Cloud
Helping Hand in Hand
People from all over the country have shown help in one way or another whenever they can during this crisis. Whether it be providing food to the homeless or providing medical support to the needy, the people of Nepal have come together to support each other in these turbulent times.
Fresh Air and Blue Sky
The Himalayan trail got the rest for a year. The city roads had the opportunity to breathe and the sparkling sound of birds in the background. The air is cleaner, and the sky bright.
Dream Now, Visit later
We will back with a bang, and Nepal is ready to serve the global visitors to experience Nepal. It is expected that tourism will resume in spring 2021.
Conclusion
These are indeed tough times that we are going through, but it is of utter importance that we don’t lose hope, stay indoors as much as we can, sanitize all the time, wash our hands and strictly follow the social distancing norms.
