What is the terror of the second wave of Corona in Nepal?

–Nirpa Rawal

KATHMANDU: On Sunday, the Ministry of Health and Population issued a statement saying, “Take the necessary precautions as the Covid-19 infection has increased.” After all, virus infections are on the rise in neighboring countries. Due to which, risk is seen again in Nepal.

The declining infection rate in Nepal, which has been declining for several months, has started rising again. Although the number of infected people is increasing slightly, everyone should be aware of this. If care is not taken in time, it cannot be said that another wave of infection will not start.

Uttam Koirala, senior public health officer at the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control (ECDC), says that it is imperative to follow the health standards to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 from spreading among the general public. He is of the view that there is a danger of re-infection and a second wave if left unchecked.

He warned that the infection rate in Nepal, like other countries, including neighboring countries, could rise again due to the increasing number of non-compliance with public health standards. “With the rise of infection in India, we are at high risk of a second wave,” said Koirala, a senior public health official.

Indifference in complying with public health standards
After the vaccine against Covid-19 was introduced in Nepal, there has been negligence in following the health safety standards. Most have stopped wearing masks, and crowds in public places and gatherings, conferences, and assemblies do not take the necessary precautions.

Masks are not seen inside the bus, people are seen walking openly on the road. Public health experts say that there is negligence in the effective mechanism to be adopted at the border to prevent the risk and the public health standards to be adopted in the country. Which has increased the risk of potential risk.

If you don’t take precautions now, the infection may increase after Holi. There is a strong possibility that the infection will spread from village to village in Nepal after returning from employment in India. The government needs to pay attention to the possibility of a second wave of transition with the new year.

What about government precautions?
With thousands being infected in India every day, the risk has increased again as Nepalis return home. At such a time, it is necessary for everyone to follow the health safety standards, said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jageshwar Gautam explains.

Stating that the transition could increase in Nepal, he requested not to do business and work in meetings, processions, rallies, gatherings, conferences, meetings and crowds and to keep socio-physical distance and to use masks compulsorily. The Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control under the Department of Health has issued new directives to the state and local governments.

Spokesperson Gautam said that the local health bodies have been asked to focus on case investigation and contract tracing to prevent further spread of the infection. “Antigen tests or PCR tests can be done in the community by identifying hot spots in areas where there is a risk of infection,” he said.

Similarly, the District Health Office and the Health Desk have been asked to conduct screening at the health desks at all the border entry points and, if possible, make arrangements for antigen testing of Covid-19. Those coming to Nepal from outside have been asked to stay in quarantine for 10 days.

-Release from the Ministry of Health: –