COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal

COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal

The COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case in Nepal was confirmed on 23 January 2020 when a 32-year-old student, returning from Wuhan, China, tested positive for the disease. It marked the first recorded case of COVID-19 in South Asia. Despite early measures to quarantine individuals with travel history to affected countries, the virus began to spread locally by March 2020.

Timeline

The initial response by the Government of Nepal included suspending visas on arrival for travelers from affected countries and eventually enforcing a nationwide lockdown starting from 24 March 2020. The lockdown, which lasted until 21 July 2020, included the closure of all educational institutions, non-essential services, and a ban on public gatherings.

Despite these measures, cases began to rise sharply by mid-2020, with significant outbreaks in densely populated areas, including the capital, Kathmandu. The health infrastructure of Nepal, already strained before the pandemic, faced immense challenges in dealing with the surge in cases. Shortages of medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and ventilators were reported across the country.

Impact

1. 1. 1. Economic###

The pandemic severely impacted Nepal's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, remittances, and agriculture. The tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the country's GDP, faced unprecedented losses due to travel restrictions and lockdowns. Similarly, remittances, a major source of income for many Nepalese households, saw a decline as job losses affected Nepali workers abroad.

1. 1. 1. Health System###

The health system in Nepal was put under tremendous pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, and there was a significant shortage of healthcare workers, ICU beds, and essential medical supplies. The situation highlighted the need for substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce in Nepal.

1. 1. 1. Education###

The education sector was also significantly affected, with schools and universities closed for an extended period. The shift to online learning posed challenges due to the digital divide, with many students in rural areas unable to access educational materials.

Response

The Nepalese government, with assistance from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and various NGOs, launched several initiatives to combat the spread of the virus. These included increasing the capacity for COVID-19 testing, establishing quarantine and isolation facilities, and initiating a vaccination campaign.

By early 2021, Nepal began its vaccination campaign, initially prioritizing healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The campaign faced challenges, including vaccine shortages and distribution issues, but gradually expanded to cover a larger portion of the population.

See also

• COVID-19 vaccination in Nepal
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory