The current spread of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been keeping each one of us on the edge of our seats. And why wouldn’t it! The status quo of the contagious syndrome is incurable, yet incessant efforts of the medics and researchers worldwide to formulate a treatable vaccine are endless. The confirmed cases globally have exponentially risen with more than a million death reports. However, on the favorable side, which we often fail to acknowledge, there are more than a reported thirty-five million cured cases of infected people, and some recovering and returning home from the hospital.
The government of Nepal lifted the lockdown implicated on the entire country amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 phase-wise and since 22 July 2020, almost all institutions have begun operating in a normal mode. With the exception of educational establishments and a few other areas that could pose threats for further transmission of the coronavirus, things have almost become normal now. Moreover, the declaration for the operation of all domestic and international flights from 17 August 2020 and preparations to host foreign travelers from mid-November by following required safety protocols has given a boost up to the tourism industry to come out of the sagging spirits of entrepreneurship. Adding to it, the Government’s decision to bring back things to normal on a gradual frame has bolstered the spirits of fellow travelers who have already begun inquiring about travel SOPs and are keen to be out in the wilds once again.
As of 6th November, Nepal has reported slightly less than two hundred thousand cases of which around thirty-five thousand cases remain active. More than a hundred and fifty thousand have recovered and around a thousand have been reported dead due to COVID-19. In regards to the preventive measures taken, the Nepal government has placed screening centers for coronavirus at the International airport with a standby ambulance within its premises. Adding to it, hospitals have been directed to be prepared for any severe cases that may arise.
Coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses responsible to infect the respiratory tract of humans causing symptoms like sore throat, running nose, fever, and cough. While the symptoms are no different than the common cold that we encounter during each flu season, this coronavirus turns out to be of a new strain that has not been reported of infecting humans in the past. This is why the researchers and scientists hardly know much about this newly evolved virus causing death shocks in China. Nonetheless, medical researchers and scientists are racing to find a cure or a vaccine using their genetic expertise. It has come to the knowledge that mild cases recover itself without any severe damage. However, in severe cases, the symptoms extend up to pneumonia, kidney failure, and ultimately death.
Origin of the virus
This lethal virus first emerged in Wuhan city of China back in December 2019 and has been reported from other parts of the world since then. Some other countries that have reported of the cases include Canada, the USA, Thailand, UK, Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Ivory Coast, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and few others.
Effects of the virus
The virus has brought economies of even the mightiest countries to their knees. As countries worldwide are trying to contain the virus and resume normal activities, the situation has become more volatile. However, countries are starting to see a recovery cycle in the economy as the offices and industry have reopened gradually.
As there are more reports of progress for the vaccine of COVID-19, the world is hoping for a breakthrough very soon. Pfizer and BioNTech announced their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, has demonstrated evidence of efficacy against COVID-19 in participants without prior evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised.
A vaccine under research by Oxford, called AZD1222 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is also showing promising results. There are many that have undergone preliminary testing and have a possibility of becoming the cure to this dreadful pandemic.
Amidst all this chaos, the tourism sector, which has taken a serious hit, is gradually reopening as the countries around the world are starting to ease travel restrictions. Popular destinations like Tanzania, Nepal are gradually accommodating foreigners following safety protocols. People are also eager to quench their wanderlust after being cooped up for a long time.
For more information on the current situation visit our blog for Coronavirus Travel Update.
