Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has created a massive stir and panic among people all over the world. Coronavirus is a newly found virus that supposedly originated from Wuhan, China.
This virus is a large family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Symptoms (MERS-COV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Symptoms (SARS-COV). World Health Organization (WHO) has classified coronavirus as “novel coronavirus”(nCOV) as it is a new strain that has never been identified in a human being.
Coronavirus is zoonotic, which means it can get transmitted between animals and people. Through research and detailed investigations, the SARS-COV was found to be transmitted from civet cats to humans, and the MERS-COV from dromedary camels to humans. However, the whereabouts of the novel coronavirus are not known yet.
Symptoms of Coronavirus affected people
Coronavirus started spreading rapidly among people all around the globe. Every day there is news of newfound cases or increased cases in various countries. The symptoms of the novel coronavirus can be very confusing and misleading. Generally, symptoms of cold or flu start after 2-4 days of coronavirus contraction. The symptoms are usually mild, but they can also be severe in some cases.
Scientists have found out that the novel coronavirus is related to the MERS-COV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and the SARS-COV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that mainly affects the respiratory tract of a person. So, the major symptoms are cough, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath.
Other symptoms of the novel coronavirus are fever, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. However, in extreme cases, this virus can lead to pneumonia, asthma, kidney failure, or even death. Doctors have not found a cure for this new, deadly, and infectious virus. It can take more time for scientists to develop a remedy against it.
Global situation of coronavirus affected people
In recent months, the cases of coronavirus have increased from a small number to a large number, with more than 89,800 people in at least 67 countries. Out of the 89,800 affected people, more than 80,000 cases are from mainland China itself.
First detected in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province in China, the people living there are massively affected by the virus. The city has been in lockdown since January 23, 2020. With an increasing number of affected people, the government of China acted immediately to provide emergency medical services and also built a new hospital in 10 days.
There are almost more than 3000 death cases of coronavirus in China only. The death cases are also increasing in other countries like South Korea, Italy, Iran, Germany, and the USA.
On February 6, the World Health Organization raised the highest alert level and has called the novel coronavirus a pandemic. WHO has asked all the countries to stay alert and prepared to fight against one of the worst illnesses affecting people.
Due to the surging cases of the new coronavirus, airports all around the world have set up an infrared radiation thermometer to verify affected people. Most of the people affected by the coronavirus are admitted to hospitals and are kept in isolation. Experts correctly treat them.
The governments of countries such as China, South Korea, Germany, the USA, Italy, and Iran have provided excellent support to their virus-infected citizens.
The vulnerability of coronavirus in Nepal
Nepal is likely to suffer a massive outbreak of the novel coronavirus as it shares land borders with China. There are many visitors from mainland China every year. This year saw a lot more Chinese and other international tourists from all over the world as the government declared 2020 as a year to visit Nepal.
Amid the widespread concerns of coronavirus in Nepal, the government is finally scrambling to step up measures to contain the possible outbreak of the deadly disease. The risk of a massive outbreak of this virus is highly likely in Nepal as it still lets a lot of people from all around the world fly to Nepal.
Nepal is possibly the only country that has not restricted visitors from affected countries like South Korea, Iran, and Italy. However, the government’s immediate action was to set up radiation thermometers and health desks at the International airport instead of resorting to a quarantine right away. This reflects our vulnerability and questions the ability of the government to deal with this highly infectious disease.
Number of verified cases of coronavirus affected people
The total number of cases of people affected by a coronavirus in Nepal is still unclear as new cases arise every day. There was news in early February that a person suspected of coronavirus got admitted at the Sukraraj Tropical disease center. However, when the results came out negative in a few days, he got released. Ever since then, there have been many suspects, but we do not have an exact number of affected people or active cases.
According to the major news house of Nepal, there are at least three people who have been tested positive for the coronavirus and are receiving treatments.
On February 16, 2020, Nepal evacuated almost 175 students from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, Wuhan. They were kept in quarantine for 14 days, and all of them were released. There were no single positive cases of the coronavirus.
What is the current scenario and how the government is acting upon it
Currently, Nepal does not have a proper and adequate plan to fight against the new deadly coronavirus. Both public and private hospitals are not ready to take on the battle with coronavirus.
The public hospitals are all refusing to set up different ICU beds for coronavirus patients due to the lack of beds. Government hospitals like Bir hospital, Teaching hospital, and Teku hospitals do not have enough doctors, nurses, beds, and rooms for coronavirus patients.
Even private hospitals have not been able to set up isolation rooms for coronavirus patients. However, the government is gradually stepping up to take action as they install more infrared radiation thermometers at the airport.
They are also setting up considerable posters in different parts of the countries that provide precaution information for the public. The government has also urged private hospitals to set up isolation wards and treatment systems to battle the new coronavirus. On March 3, 2020, hospitals in Pokhara have opened isolation wards and ICU services for affected people.
Coronavirus and its impacts on tourism at global and Nepal
Since the discovery of the novel coronavirus, markets, tourism sectors, and businesses have significantly been affected in most parts of the world. Primarily affecting the tourism sector of every country, this virus is preventing people from leaving their homes to stay safe.
In Nepal, coronavirus has alerted people to practice healthier behaviors and follow the precautions provided by the government. Nowadays, we can see almost everyone in Kathmandu city wearing a mask to protect themselves. The number of visitors and tourists from different countries is decreasing amid the roar of the novel coronavirus.
How to be safe from coronavirus
The precautionary measures against the novel coronavirus are as follows
- It would be best if you always wash your hands with soap or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wearing a mask is a must wherever you go out, either school or office or hospital.
- It would be best if you covered your mouth or nose while sneezing with tissue papers or your elbow.
- You should avoid going to crowded places or public places where you can quickly get infected.
- It will help if you avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of a cold.
- You should also be able to avoid direct contact with live or farm animals.
- You are recommended to boil meat or egg before eating thoroughly.
Visit Nepal 2020 and coronavirus
Visit Nepal 2020 has been dramatically affected by the novel coronavirus strain all over the world. Instead of seeing a surge in the number of travelers, Nepal saw a decrease in the tourism sector as the virus rapidly grew in different parts of the world.
The air business in Nepal saw a declining number of passengers every day, and they are facing a massive loss. Due to the constant rise of the deadly coronavirus, the tourism ministry of Nepal has postponed all activities of the “Visit Nepal 2020” campaign.
Conclusion
Coronavirus is a highly infectious virus that has claimed the lives of many people all around the globe. This virus, classified as a pandemic, has no cure until now. Though there are many cases of people recovering from coronavirus, we should all be cautious and follow the precautions carefully and consciously.
