With the global coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak, the whole world has gone into chaos. The virus first emerged from Wuhan city of China and has already affected over 176 countries. Considering its widespread and the fatality rate the WHO has declared this virus a global pandemic.
The number of coronavirus cases globally has already topped over 200, 000 people because of which the countries across the globe has adjusted to life under lockdown and isolation. As the virus has created a global pandemic, Nepal is the only country that has resolved the case of COVID19.
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What is Corona Virus (COVID19)?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
On February 11, 2020, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, charged with naming new viruses, named the novel coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, shortened to SARS-CoV-2.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, and cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19?
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
There is no currently available vaccine for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care from a healthcare provider can make the disease less dangerous. There are several clinical trials that are being conducted to evaluate potential therapeutics for COVID-19.
Status of Corona (COVID19) pandemic in Nepal
On 17th January, a 32 years old Nepali citizen was suspected of having coronavirus infection. He was supposed to be infected with coronavirus in Wuhan and now he has been admitted to Nepals’ top infectious hospital.
The Nepali who was infected with this Corona infection has been released from the clinic subsequent to making a full recuperation. More than 500 people have been tested in Nepal over the possibility of contaminating the coronavirus. Only one of them had an infection. All the rest were found free of infection.
If you are planning to travel to Nepal, but afraid of the coronavirus epidemic, then you should not hold yourself back. The Government of Nepal is doing all it can to stop coronavirus entering the nation and make Nepal a safe destination during the visit Nepal year 2020. In this context, Nepal is safe to travel. However, necessary precaution is needed just in case.
What are the Measures taken by Nepal Government to control Coronavirus from spreading into the country?
With the increasing cases of Corona Virus (COVID19) all around the globe, taking the measures recommended by WHO the Government of Nepal has decided to temporarily suspend on arrival visas facilities to all nationals. According to the Home Ministry of Nepal, the government will ban the visa-on-arrival for a citizen of following countries.
- People's republic of China, including special Administrative Regions
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Italy
- Republic of Korea
- Japan
- France
- Germany
- Spain
The Meeting held by the Government of Nepal on 1st March 2020, has decided to ban the on-arrival visa, which will be effective from 10th March 2020. This decision was made by the Nepal government with the objective to control and make COVID19 free Nepal. With this bold decision made by the government, it is expected that the travelers will feel much secure and safe during their visit to Nepal.
The sudden outbreak of the COVID19 has greatly impacted the tourism industry. As Nepal is celebrating the visit Nepal year 2020, with the target of attracting 2 million travelers in Nepal. Due to the coronavirus epidemic seen all around the globe, Nepal’s government is planning to postpone the campaign Nepal Tourism Year 2020.
How to Acquire a visa to travel to Nepal?
Although Nepal has stopped on arrival visa but has not banned any nationals from all around the globe who are willing to come to Nepal. As per the Tourism Ministry, Yogesh Bhattarai, the temporary ban on the arrival visa was done to make Nepal a COVID19 free zone so that the travelers can enjoy the beauty of Nepal, without any fear and hesitation.
The travelers who are planning of visiting Nepal can easily acquire the travel visa of Nepal. In order to get the travel visa of Nepal, travelers need to go to Nepal Embassy or nearest Nepal consulate with no Corona virus-proof health certificate. All tourists are allowed to stay in Nepal for a maximum of 150 days in one calendar year. Visitors must hold passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. The aforementioned health certificate will be scrutinized both at the immigration at the airport in Kathmandu and the land border entry-exit point of Nepal.
The Nationals of the above mentioned eight countries who have got the prior visa from the missions and embassies abroad also require to produce a health certificate stating that they are not infected with COVID19. It is also recommended for the nationals of eight countries to use the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu as their entry and exit point. The rest of the Land POE (Point of Entry and Exit) will be temporarily suspended until further notice.
