The pilot phase of the 2021 National Population Census, supposed to start on March 28, has been delayed due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The pilot, which was to be conducted in two districts of every province, is also considered a “rehearsal” census as it helps authorities to assess the effectiveness of the census
questionnaire and its enumerators.
“This (the pilot census) was supposed to help prepare for the upcoming census. But it has been delayed due to the lockdown,” said Hem Raj Regmi, deputy director general at the Central Bureau of Statistics.
The bureau had trained 70 enumerators, including supervisors, to conduct the pilot in selected districts of all seven provinces. “We will resume our work as soon as the lockdown ends,” said Regmi.
According to the bureau, it will take 15 days for enumerators to complete the pilot census, which will help authorities prepare manuals to conduct the national census, enumeration for which is set to be conducted from June 8- 28, 2021.
“If the lockdown goes on for a long period, it will impact the procurement of goods such as tables, computers needed for the census,” added Regmi. He said that this office would also be forced to change the methodology of the pilot if it does not get enough time for it. “If the lockdown doesn’t end soon, we may opt to conduct the pilot by phone calls or mail, and not conduct face-to-face interviews.”
The bureau plans to mobilise 54,000 employees (42,000 enumerators, 10,000 supervisors, and 2,000 representatives from the central, provincial and local governments) for the 2021 census. Preliminary results are expected three months after enumeration is complete. It will take at least two years for the final report to be published, said Regmi.
Apart from that, the ongoing lockdown has also halted the industrial survey, which was started this fiscal. According to the bureau, 14,000 businesses have been counted till date. “We will also resume the industrial survey after the lockdown ends,” said Regmi.
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 territories around 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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