Published in: 2nd Mar, 2020

Coronavirus in Nepal is not yet found however, the global industry is affected by the epidemic outbreak. It is also a major concern for the tourism industry of Nepal as Nepal is celebrating its Visit Nepal 2020 campaign with an aim to invite two million tourists to visit Nepal. The Impact of Coronavirus in Nepal is not seen and no fatal are recorded. But It has affected the campaign that Nepal was celebrating. It is now proposed to postpone the campaign because of the global outbreak and the forth issues it might bring alongside the tourism.

Though Nepal is safe to visit as no number of people are infected as of the new statistics published by the Ministry of Health and Population, it can’t be denied that the panic and frustration the outbreak might make. The global impact is severe and it has affected the global tourism industry perpetually as the length of Coronavirus spread increasing.

Nepal is a country that is neighboured by China on the northern side and the global message of possible spread is undeniable. However, the state affected in China is far away in the powerful nation and the quarantine in it will possibly stop the spread outside. There are several encounters in the neighbouring nations such as India and Nepal, but the least cases in comparison to the epidemic hub itself observed. Nepal has only one confirmed case of Coronavirus and which is now discharged after the successful cure. It is obvious that it will face the economic and panic impact of Coronavirus in Nepal.

The epidemic disease Coronavirus has affected in the global scale as of now. The world is facing issues to combat this disease on a huge scale. The COVID-19 named coronavirus made the leap from animals to human and as of today more than 3000 people have died and its outbreak has affected the entire world with diagnosed cases in more than fifty countries. As per the news portals, the statistics show that it has infected more than 85000 humans across the countries. This alarming sensation to the world is today’s strenuous challenge to combat the anti-human virus. While the global organization working for human health has not yet announced COVID19 as pandemic disease, some experts argue that the Coronavirus is more of pandemic issues that alarmed the entire world.

It is said that the virus is twenty times deadlier than the seasonal flu and is quick transmittable from humans to humans. While the entire world is facing some economic and health damage, the fatality and mortal rate is increasing ever since.

Effect of Coronavirus in Nepal

In response to the Coronavirus in Nepal, the government of Nepal has also taken it as a major challenge and has been taking some precautionary techniques to combat this global sensation. In response to it, Nepal has now administered the crisis response developing several health communities and strict checking regulations with temperature scanners and vital technologies to measure and combat the COVID19.

Nepal is celebrating its tourism campaign ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ with an aim to attract two million tourists to visit Nepal in the year 2020. The tourism industry of Nepal is glorious and a potential industry that can contribute to the development while making some increment in the GDP. But as of now, the alarming situation of Coronavirus is beyond the control of the global superpowers, Nepal is facing issues to promote and invite the tourists to visit Nepal. Though Nepal is not affected by the Coronavirus yet, the prior approaches towards the global crisis response are in itself a major challenge. In this challenging situation, the visit Nepal year is already a failure and it is also inappropriable to state Nepal as a Coronavirus free nation.

Some progress has been made at the airport and entry points to combat the COVID-19, but the global epidemic cannot be marginalized as it increases the panic and a sense of fear among the tourists. Taking into account the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, Nepal has postponed the visit Nepal 2020 campaign and deferred the promotional activities to the international world. The novel coronavirus epidemic is in itself a major combat issue and as a part of the cautionary approach, the government suspended the plans because of novel COVID-19.

Nepal government has also put forth a measure to combat the COVID-19. As per the officials, Nepal stops issuing on-arrival visas from the most affected areas which include China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Italy. This decision will be into effect from Friday and lasts until the end of March.

The government of Nepal is now prioritizing on building the necessary infrastructure and to respond to the Coronavirus while the major aim as of now is to safeguard from the epidemic. It is not a time to lament about the arrivals and quantity of the tourists but a major setback that will bring us forth towards the sustainable practice of tourism with post-crisis marketing strategies. To alleviate the impact of coronavirus in Nepal, the global industry has to put forth some new strategies and good implementation of the ideas to combat the health and economic crisis.

To expand the surveillance and increase the technology and medical set to push back the global epidemic in the present context. The impact of coronavirus in Nepal is not yet seen in the health of people but tourism is highly affected by the alarming global epidemic.

Measures by the Government of Nepal to combat Novel Coronavirus

The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, released a message of solidarity on 6th February 2020. It states, “Nepal and Nepali people express our solidarity with the people and government of China at these difficult hours of novel coronavirus epidemic that has not only affected life in china but has also created concern throughout the world. We would also like to applaud the Chinese Government for the extraordinary measures it has taken to contain this outbreak. With quick and quiet relentless action in mitigating and managing the crisis, the world has seen an immensely resilient China, emerging to overcome the challenges created by the unprecedented outbreak. Our best wishes for instantaneous overcome this crisis and pray for China’s speedy return to health and normalcy. And we wait to welcome all of you back to Nepal soon.”

Nepal has recently brought back the 175 people from China and all of them were in quarantine. The nationals quarantined in Kathmandu test negative for the epidemic Coronavirus. And as of now, Nepal has only one coronavirus case which is cured and discharged from the hospital last month. The Impact of Coronavirus in Nepal is least in comparison to some of the other nations.

In 26th Feb 2020, Nepal Tourism Board released a press release to which states that Nepal is free from epidemic and is safe to visit regarding the impact of Coronavirus in Nepal.

This is to bring you all the updates on the current status of Nepal regarding the threat of the Wuhan Coronavirus (COVID 19).

Ministry of Health, Government of Nepal has confirmed the only “positive” case registered so far has been a Nepali national, who is now fully recovered. He has been discharged from the hospital within the week once the last observations on the test results were done. (Source: Ministry of Health, Government of Nepal)

To date, besides the above-mentioned case, no other Nepali or citizen of another country has been identified as being infected by the virus. (Source: Ministry of Health – Government of Nepal)

The 175 university students and Nepali nationals who were brought to Nepal on 14th of February 2020, from Wuhan, China, were sent to the special quarantine unit away from human settlements with all modern testing and monitoring facilities. They will remain in quarantine for 2 weeks before their discharge. So far none of them has shown signs of the infection nor confirmed as being infected by the virus. (Source: Ministry of Health – Government of Nepal)

The security measures taken at the Airports, Borders and Hospitals etc are still active in the same manner and a special Task Force team is actively overseeing the measures taken, under the direct supervision of the ministry of health. The Ministry is also furnishing a daily SITREP to the World Health Organization (Source: Health Ministry – Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (STIDH) – Kathmandu is now equipped with a special unit with all the required medical / staffing facilities and is ready to serve the public in any situation that might occur. Other hospitals under the instruction of the Ministry of Health have certain sections isolated and kept ready for any eventuality should that arise. (Source: Ministry of Health – Government of Nepal)

Steps are already been taken to create awareness on the outbreak among tourism industry and general. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Nepal Tourism Board are working closely to combat the spread of the Coronavirus within all tourist hotspots of the country. The Government is vigilant to ensure the safety of everyone.

As such, we are pleased to inform that we are doing our best to keep Nepal safe with whatever resources we have from the COVID 19 threat. Should there be any changes on the ground we will keep you updated.

As of now, no cancellations or alterations are required for travel to Nepal.

The Government of Nepal has further formed a high-level committee to Check Coronavirus under the chair of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Ishwor Pokhrel to take precaution on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Is it safe to Visit Nepal now?

Visiting Nepal is not a major issue. Nepal has always been the best destination to visit with its mindblowing natural beauty, cultural artefacts and wonderful heritages. The impact of coronavirus in Nepal on health is not yet seen. However, we suggest you not to travel during the epidemic as the several regions worldwide are partially affected by the novel coronavirus. Some of the regions in the Middle East, Korea, Japan are facing coronavirus diseases and it’s better for the foreign national to avoid visiting places. Especially the group travel is not encourage-able. For Indian people to visit Nepal is easy and comparatively safe as there is direct flight connection and Nepal has also taken the safety measures to combat this epidemic. For international travellers, it would be better to wait until the coronavirus disease get mitigated.

Safety Measures for Novel Coronavirus

World Health Organization, a global health organization working for global health issues has released some of the measures that can be taken to combat the Novel Coronavirus. According to WTO, “Given that #COVID19 is a new disease, it is understandable that its emergence and spread cause confusion, anxiety and fear among the general public. These factors can give rise to harmful stereotypes.”

Further, it advises the general public to follow some precautions to pushback the COVID-19.

Wash your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub which helps to kill the virus that may be in the hands.

Maintain social distancing of at least 3 feet from the person who is sneezing and coughing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Practice respiratory hygiene

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider

To combat the global epidemic now is a global concern and this alarming situation should be administered properly from government level and public awareness is equally important. Travel Safe, Practice Food Safety and Stay Healthy.