Without proven cure, there are concerns over a potential outbreak of the disease in Nepal. However, this may be a time to take precautions rather than panic. A facility prepared by the Nepal Army in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu, to handle coronavirus cases. Post file photo: Elite Joshi
The coronavirus pandemic that is spreading across the world like wildfire has killed more than 8,000 people and infected over 200,000 people so far. Having originated in Wuhan of China, Covid-19 has affected countries in Asia and Europe most, with cases increasing as far away as the United States. While China has largely been able to contain the disease after 3,200 deaths and 81,000 infections, countries like Italy and South Korea have enforced total lockdowns. In Nepal’s neighbourhood, infections in India have neared 150, prompting New Delhi to tighten its land border and restricting air travel from abroad. Governments in affected countries have advised citizens to avoid nonessential travel while some have closed schools.
In Nepal, one person who tested positive for coronavirus has recovered and no new cases have been reported but there is widespread fear. Since Nepal shares a long open border with India and flights to and from affected countries continue even with a marked drop in passenger traffic, the Covid-19 terror continues to haunt the public.
Effects of hoarding essential goods are already visible with rocketing prices of food items and shortages of cooking gas in the market. Surgical masks are unavailable even for medical and other frontline staff.
Without proven cure, the scare of a potential outbreak of the disease in Nepal is valid. For the common folk, however, this may be a time to take precautions rather than panic.
Here are some of your concerns addressed.
How dangerous is the disease?
The mortality rate for Covid-19 is estimated to be 3.6 percent, but new studies have put the rate slightly higher at 5.7 percent. Although Covid-19 is not too dangerous to young healthy people, older individuals and those with immune-compromised systems are at greater risk of death. People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, or those who’ve recently undergone serious medical procedures, are also at risk.
What is the best way to avoid contracting the virus?
Social distancing. Experts say since the virus can spread from person to person, avoiding gatherings is the best way to remain safe. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to this virus. Coronavirus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet. Respiratory droplets can reach the mouths or noses of the people nearby or may be inhaled when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Courtesy: WHO
What is social distancing?
Basically, social distancing refers to measures taken to increase the physical space between individuals. People are also advised to take the measures of "social distancing" to minimise contact with other people to reduce the risk of contagion.
In countries across the globe, people have been advised against shaking hands and kissing to say hello — common greetings in many parts of Europe, according to the AFP news agency.
People are also advised to stay at least one metre away from others and avoid gatherings, including dining out or attending sports matches or concerts.
In order to enforce social distancing, countries are enforcing measures such as school closure and banning large gatherings. People are also advised to stay home if they can to avoid nonessential travel and social gatherings.
What are the myths surrounding the Covid-19 cure? Does drinking cow urine or eating garlic or turmeric help?
People are reported to be resorting to the consumption of various herbs, spices and even animal products in the hope of minimising their chances of being infected with the coronavirus. Experts, however, assert that there is no evidence cow urine can prevent coronavirus. While garlic may have antimicrobial properties, there is no research which proves that it can kill the new coronavirus. In fact, no specific medicine has been found to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus.
Particularly in South Asia, turmeric is popularly used in cooking and ayurvedic medicines. However, many people harbour the myth that it can cure the coronavirus. True, turmeric has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties but doses of the powder don’t get rid of the virus.
Are face masks helpful?
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy person only needs to wear a mask if they are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. One should wear a mask while coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when combined with frequent cleaning of the hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
While health workers and immigration officials are handling people with possible infections, it makes sense for the ordinary persons not to hoard surgical and N95 masks.
Why is washing hands with soap advised?
While there is no cure for Covid-19, one of the most effective ways to contain the spread of the disease is by washing hands. The WHO advises people to clean hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This kills viruses that may be on one’s hands.
Washing hands is essential to keep infection at bay. One should wet their hands and scrub them with soap, getting it between one’s fingers and under the nails. The suggested washing time is at least 20 seconds.
Why is the problem not personal?
Many might consider Covid-19 as an individual problem for people. It actually is not. A healthy and young person might be carrying the virus but may not show symptoms and can potentially infect an elderly person or someone with weak immunity. The rationale behind people putting themselves under self-quarantine is more about not getting close enough to infect others than increasing one’s chances of recovery.
What is self-isolation?
People who are thought to have been in close contact with someone infected with coronavirus are advised to remain in self-isolation. Someone arriving in Nepal from acountry affected by coronavirus is advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
Self-isolation is an effective precautionary measure to protect the people around—family, friends, colleagues—from contracting the new coronavirus. It means following simple ways to avoid close contact with other people as far as possible.
During self-isolation, one has to limit contact with people outside the family or those other than travel companions. In a home where the other occupants haven’t been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, face-to-face contact closer than 2 metres for more than 15 minutes should be avoided. In a home where the other occupants haven’t been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, face-to-face contact closer than 2 metres for more than 15 minutes should be avoided.
A person observing self-isolation should not share dishes, plates and cups, towels, pillows or other items with other people at home.
Frequently asked questions about the coronavirus outbreak
UPDATED as of September 22, 2020
What is Covid-19? Covid-19, short for coronavirus disease, is an illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, short for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Common symptoms of the disease include fever, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
How contagious is Covid-19? Covid-19 can spread easily from person to person, especially in enclosed spaces. The virus can travel through the air in respiratory droplets produced when a sick person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. As the virus can also survive on plastic and steel surfaces for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours, any contact with such surfaces can also spread the virus. Symptoms take between two to 14 days to appear, during which time the carrier is believed to be contagious.
Where did the virus come from? The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December. The coronavirus is a large family of viruses that is responsible for everything from the common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). After an initial outbreak in Wuhan that spread across Hubei province, eventually infecting over 80,000 and killing more than 3,000, new infection rates in mainland China have dropped. However, the disease has since spread across the world at an alarming rate.
What is the current status of Covid-19?
The World Health Organisation has called the ongoing outbreak a “pandemic” and urged countries across the world to take precautionary measures. Covid-19 has spread to 213 countries and territoriesaround the world and infected more than 31,405,983 people with 967,505 deaths and 22,990,260 recoveries. In South Asia, India has reported the highest number of infections at 5,557,573 with 88,943 deaths. While Pakistan has reported 306,304 confirmed cases with 6,420 deaths. Nepal has so far reported 65,276 cases with 427 deaths.
How dangerous is the disease?
The mortality rate for Covid-19 is estimated to be 3.6 percent, but new studies have put the rate slightly higher at 5.7 percent. Although Covid-19 is not too dangerous to young healthy people, older individuals and those with immune-compromised systems are at greater risk of death. People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, or those who’ve recently undergone serious medical procedures, are also at risk.
How do I keep myself safe? The WHO advises that the most important thing you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol content. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces like your computers and phones. Avoid large crowds of people. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for longer than a few days.
Is it time to panic?
No. The government has imposed a lockdown to limit the spread of the virus. There is no need to begin stockpiling food, cooking gas or hand sanitizers. However, it is always prudent to take sensible precautions like the ones identified above.
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