This year the Nepalese government had great plans for its country. Visit Nepal 2020 was organized with the aim to invite tourists and support the tourism sector of Nepal.

But lately, due to the outbreak of coronavirus people have this lingering question in their mind: Is Nepal safe from Coronavirus?

Is Nepal safe from Coronavirus?

From the news we hear, it seems that Nepal is still safe from coronavirus compared to other nations.

Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country that lies between two great nations India and China. Sharing its border with China many Nepalese and Chinese people travel in and out every year. Thus people believe that Coronavirus might have entered Nepal.

But these are just rumors so you should not believe everything you hear. The government has already been alerted and they are doing everything in their power to stop the virus from entering Nepal.

In January 2020, a Nepalese student (32 years) who studied at the Wuhan University of Technology in Wuhan, China returned to Nepal and was suspected to have the disease.

Being suspected he was admitted to the hospital and kept under 24 hours observation. But after a few days, he recovered and was discharged.

You should not worry about Coronavirus in Nepal but it is better to use preventive measures in advance.

About Coronavirus

WHO explains Coronavirus as a huge family of viruses that cause common cold to more severe diseases. Previously this virus had never been identified in a human being.

Coronavirus is Zoonosis, meaning it was transmitted from animals. This is a contagious disease caused by bacteria, parasites that spread from animals to humans.

This disease is a respiratory illness that spreads from one person to another. Some signs of infection that are common when suffering from Coronavirus are high fever, cough, chest pain.

The severeness of the infection might cause pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and in the worst scenario death.

Where did Coronavirus Start from?

In a short time period, this virus has spread throughout the world. It was first diagnosed in the city of Wuhan located in the Hubei Province of China.

After the New Year’s Eve party people started suffering from pneumonia which got worse as time went by. Later on January 9, health researchers and virologists identified it as a novel coronavirus.

There is a place called “Wet Market” in Wuhan where people sell live animals. It is believed the virus was transmitted from these markets.

With the market being an active place for live slaughters, this place isn’t at its best hygienic condition. This makes the Marketplace a breeding ground for these bacterias.

How does the Coronavirus spread?

Being a new virus, much information relating to how easily it can spread is still unknown. Also, the incubation time of the virus has not been discovered yet.

But it is known that the virus can spread if close contact is made with an infected person. It can be transmitted while coughing, sneezing, exchange of saliva, etc.

It is better to maintain a few feet distance with people if you are not wearing any safety equipment.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

There are still many things to learn but right now it is known that the symptoms are similar to flu and are typically mild. These symptoms appear after 2 to 14 days from exposure. Some of these symptoms are:

• Fever above 38 degree celsius
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Difficulty while breathing
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Sore throat
• Short of breath

But the symptoms can be different from person to person and be fatal for some. In severe cases, you can go through:

• Kidney failure
• pneumonia

Preventive Methods for Coronavirus

The vaccines have still not been made for this disease. Many researchers are trying their best to make one. So it is best to use prevention methods till then, some methods that can be done are:

• Clean your hands regularly with soap and water
• Try avoiding going to crowded places
• If you can not avoid then it is better to travel wearing a mask
• Eat food that has been cooked thoroughly
• It is better to avoid contact with people suffering from flu
• While coughing and sneezing cover your mouth
• Avoid direct contact with live animals
• You should drink plenty of water
• Get plenty of rest

Suspension of Visa-on-arrival

The year 2020 was supposed to bring prosperous moments for the tourism sector. But due to this new epidemic, it might cause some problems.

The government has been observing the spread of Coronavirus and as a matter of fact, declared to temporarily suspend visa-on-arrival on few countries. They are:

• People’s Republic of China
• Islamic Republic of Iran
• Italy
• Republic of Korea
• Japan
• France
• Germany
• Spain

This temporary suspension will be effective from March 10, 2020. But, if you are keen on visiting Nepal then you can apply for the visa beforehand from the Nepali Missions Abroad.

To apply for the visa you have to provide your latest health certificate with the application.

Measures taken by Nepal Embassy

After being alerted about the dangerous coronavirus the Government of Nepal has started taking actions of its own.

According to the ministry of health, three New Infrared Radiation Thermometers have been added to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It monitors people to find out whether they are infected with Coronavirus or not.

Also, ambulances are on standby outside the TIA. So if anyone is suspected of the virus they are immediately transferred to the hospital.

Many screening centers have been set up and health personnel has increased inside the Airport. So, people that are coming from countries or regions affected by Coronavirus will be thoroughly checked. They can also be quarantined if needed.

Is Coronavirus Deadly?

The virus is dangerous but getting the virus is not a death sentence. People that have been infected with this virus show mild cases of this disease.

Out of the infected many have reported common symptoms such as shortness of breath requiring supplemental oxygen. On a critical level, they suffer through multi-organ failure, respiratory failure, septic shock.

Out of the world’s population, only 2.3% infected with this disease has died. It can be deadly for old people and people having underlying health conditions.

However, with strong immunity you can recover from Coronavirus, there have been reported cases of more than 50,000 recoveries.

Has the virus affected other countries besides China?

Yes, other countries have also been affected by this dangerous disease. A dozen countries including China have been a victim of Coronavirus.

Other than China, another affected country is South Korea. This country has been using proper preventive measures to stop this from spreading more.

Nepal is also trying its best to keep the virus out of the country.

Eagle eye trek hopes the information in the article above was helpful for you. Stay safe.

Update on Covid 19 by Nepal Tourism Board