Nepal's 5th Case of COVID-19
Much of the following information is paraphrased from this article: “Nepal Cannot Fight Coronavirus Alone” published on April 1, 2020. For more reading, please refer to the following link: https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/nepal-cannot-fight-coronavirus-alone/
Nepal’s first confirmed case came on January 24th with the 5th case confirmed earlier this week. In March, after the second and third cases, Nepal entered a week-long lockdown that has now been extended. BSF’s Executive Director Leena Satyal described the situation: “I am currently with my family and we are not allowed to go outside” and there is even a curfew for grocery shopping. “The police [are] monitoring everything strictly.”
Confirmed cases in Nepal by region (confirmed cases shown in red regions)
Source: Wikipedia
Lack of coordination and slow action means that Nepal did not impose travel restrictions or enforce self-quarantines at the time when it was clear that the virus was spreading rapidly to many surrounding countries. Fragile infrastructure and an unprepared healthcare network means that Nepal may be faced with a terrible situation in the coming weeks. And, in contrast to the 2015 earthquake that shook the nation, international help cannot be counted on this time: Some countries have begun to help, but they are also facing their own internal crises and struggles.
U.S. troops bring supplies to Nepal
Source: Defense.gov
As Leena described, “[t]he way things are changing and cities are flooded with crisis it is so difficult to think what to do next.”
Since Nepal has now imposed a very abrupt and severe lockdown, it is difficult for people to get needed supplies. BSF is working hard to keep in contact with each other and with our sponsored children. even with the limitations of slow or unavailable internet or telephone services. BSF staff prepared emergency kits and are delivering food to children and planning to take on medical costs for staff and children. The families that we support cannot afford to pay healthcare costs and are at serious risk of severe outcomes from the virus.T he need for aid in Nepal is great even in the best of times, which is why we are working to support children there, but it is even greater now when facing the pandemic with no safety net, and limited healthcare.
Workers disinfecting a temple in Kathmandu
Source: Skanda Gautam/THT
Life is changing for all of us in the United States, too, as Mitrata conducts all of its operations completely online and we are continuing to modify our fundraising plans as changes due to Covid19 unfold. We are working on ways to help our NGO partner survive the pandemic and keep everyone safe. We are thinking of all our sponsors and donors here too and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We want to hear from you if possible, so please reach out to us, and let us know how you are doing. We are available via phone at (314) 325-2833 or via email at info@mitrata.org.