A meeting of Ghorahi Sub Metropolis Disaster Management Committee held on Sunday decided to close all shops including those selling daily essentials until April 7 from Monday evening.
Since the nationwide lockdown came into effect on March 24, grocery stores were allowed to operate between 6am to 9am daily. However, given the rush at these stores in the stipulated time, the sub-metropolis decided to close them down completely lest it leads to the spread of the coronavirus.
Narulal Chaudhary, mayor of Ghorahi Sub Metropolis, said the authorities took the decision to shut all stores but have ensured that people get their supplies of daily essentials at their doorsteps. “The Dang Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be coordinating with the local unit to ensure that daily essentials reach the people,” said Chaudhary. “Keeping the stores open only led to people coming out in droves at the same time. We had to put a stop to it.”
Following the committee’s decision, the market saw a steady flow of people on Monday morning at the market. Locals came out to buy food grains and vegetables. One among them was Sushma Pokharel who said she came out to stock up her pantry with a few days’ supplies. “We heard that the local government will start home delivery. If they do, we won't have to worry that much,” said Pokharel.
Ambika Prasad Dangi, an associate professor at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Ghorahi, said he’s happy with the decision the committee made. “All citizens should be careful. The lockdown has put a stop to crowd gathering but there were still instances where people were going out to buy daily supplies,” said Dangi.
According to the sub-metropolis officials, the public can make a call at 082560063 to the Dang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, if they need any supplies delivered to them. “We will ensure that the public will get everything they need at their doorsteps. We decided to close the market completely to stop the unnecessary movement of people in the market areas,” said Chaudhary. “This step will hopefully help mitigate the risk of spreading the disease.”
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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