COVID-19 (Corona) – All about the ongoing Pandemic

COVID-19 (Corona) – All about the ongoing Pandemic

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic that is causing terror around the globe. It is a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was identified in Wuhan, Central China in 2019. Since then, the disease has spread globally causing many deaths whose number is rapidly increasing day by day. Many countries have been infected by this disease causing an emergency situation within the country and around the globe. Many countries have opted for lockdown while the effects of pandemic are in the situation of wait and watch. 

With this ongoing pandemic, Nepal Intrepid Treks Team is often asked about the COVID-19 and its effect in Nepal. Regarding the effect of coronavirus in Nepal, there are no any active cases of COVD-19 till date. One patient had been diagnosed with this virus but the patient soon recovered after a short period of time. We pray to God that may this pandemic come to rest and we all would be able to take a long breathe of relaxation.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 with their answers.

1. What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) is recently identified new disease caused by novel coronavirus that has not been seen in humans previously. It is a highly infectious and communicable disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

2. Where and when was the disease first seen?

COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, Central China in 2019. Since then the disease has spread globally causing an ongoing 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic. Cases of COVID     -19 first emerged in December 2019. The mysterious illness was reported in Wuhan, China. Later, the cause of disease was confirmed to be a new type of Coronavirus.

3. What are the causes of COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by the virus severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was previously referred to as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). it is a communicable disease that spreads between two people via respiratory droplets released during coughs and sneezes. It is said that the virus can be active for up to three days on plastic material and stainless steel. In aerosols, it is said to be active for around three hours.

The virus infects the lungs and slowly damages it. The virus accesses the host cells via the enzyme ACE2. This type of enzyme is abundant in type II alveolar cells of lungs. The virus uses the special surface glycoprotein called spike to connect to ACE2 and enter into the host cell.  As the alveolar disease progresses, it might lead to respiratory failure and finally death in worst case.

The virus is believed to have an animal origin through spillover infection. It was first transmitted from animal to human in the Wuhan city of Central China in 2019. This became the primary source of infection and before the fact could be know, it rapidly transmitted from human to human in early 2020.

4. What are the common symptoms of COVID -19?

The most commonly reported symptoms of COVD-19 include fever, dry cough and tiredness. In mild cases, people may get runny nose and a sore throat. In server cases, people may develop breathing difficulty and in worst case breathing difficulty may lead to organ failure. Some cases of COVID -19 are fatal.

5. What is the ongoing situation of COVID -19 pandemic in terms of facts and figures?

According to the data obtained from worldometer as of 23rd March, 2020, 340,082 cases of COVID -19 have been identified. Amongst which 226,350 cases are still active. 113,732 cases have been closed amongst which 99,027 cases recovered while 14,705 cases were fatal.

6. What are the preventive measures that should be taken to avoid COVID -19?

The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid your exposure to the virus. Some of the most recommended day to day preventive measures are as follows:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay at home and isolate yourself when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the dustbin.
• Use mask to protect yourselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid spitting in public places, etc.

The situation with the COVID-19 corona virus is increasing rapidly. In this crucial situation, Nepal Intrepid Treks is really concerned about the health hazards and fear caused by this situation. However, it is not the time to lose our confidence. We must all be there for each other in this crucial condition that is spreading terror in the heart of everyone.

So, we would like to take our time to encourage everyone to take proactive measures to protect you and your family members. It is a critical situation hence timely and accurate preventive measures are a must. Take your time on cleaning, hand washing and motivating each other. Consider the travel advice given by various health organizations around you. Try to isolate yourself, avoid crowds and adopt hygienic habits. It will take a collective effort to minimize the spread of COVID -19. We have every confidence in our ability to pull together with kindness, care and concern for the common good. So, let’s start with ourselves.

“It’s not the time to lose hope! It’s time to stay strong and healthy.”
Namaste