The Everest region, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, is facing a new threat in the form of COVID-19. Reports indicate that the number of confirmed cases is on the rise, with 17 cases being reported recently. The situation is even more worrisome as the region lacks access to PCR or Rapid diagnostic test facilities, which means that the actual number of active cases is likely to be higher than what has been confirmed.
If the rate of infection continues to rise in the Everest region, it could become increasingly difficult to manage the situation. The lack of proper medical facilities and transportation could lead to devastating consequences. It is important to note that the Everest region is a remote area, and it may take time for medical assistance to reach those who need it.
The situation is particularly concerning for the locals and trekkers who are currently in the region. They may be exposed to the virus without even knowing it, as asymptomatic carriers can easily spread the disease. The government and local authorities need to take immediate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Everest region. It is essential to provide access to testing facilities and adequate medical care to those who need it.
We all need to be responsible and follow the safety guidelines recommended by the health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We need to stay vigilant, practice social distancing, wear masks, and maintain good hygiene. We must take every precaution necessary to protect ourselves and others from the virus. Together, we can overcome this pandemic and make the Everest region safe for locals and trekkers alike.
Health facilities and Covid-19 infection in Everest region
Mount Everest, the world’s highest summit comes on the front line in nature but has always been backward in case of proper health facilities. Lack of proper transportation facility has been enlisted as the major factor affecting in improving the health services in this region, Lack of governmental focus is always at the topmost. After more than a year of the first wave of Covid, still, the region has not any access to virus detection facilities.
The cases of infection came out only after the people returned from Everest to Kathmandu and took themselves for sample testing. It can’t be assumed how many active infections are still laying on that far land.
Current scenario of Covid-19 in Everest
Everest region couldn’t keep itself safe from the ongoing pandemic. The recent cases of 17 people getting corona positive came out from the people flown back from Everest. Contact tracing has not started yet and the responsible department also does not have any idea about how many trekkers left the Everest region and how many are infected. People in the base camp are getting ill. They are showing symptoms other than only cold. Health professionals are assuming the symptoms to be Corona and they are somehow managing to return climbers from higher camp to lower region in the medical camp to make them stay in isolation. There is no specific data of how many climbers who returned from Everest left out the virus there.
Case assumption
Nepal government had issued 394 permits to climb Mount Everest for this climbing season as per the department of tourism. This 394 permit will allow
fifteen thousand plus people on the summit. Here we can assume the flow of infection from a place of departure to the destination. The rate will be unknown until a proper virus detection facility is installed in this region.
Conclusion
It will be very difficult if the infection hits hard the Everest region. Loss in wealth can be earned sooner or later but a loss in life can never be earned. The Nepal mgovernment must show immediate focus in the Everest region and provide at least a facility to detect the virus. Viral testing (PCR or RDT test) before and after proceeding towards the summit will help in minimizing the risk of transferring the virus. Until then, it is a humble request to every residence of the Everest region, every climbers and expedition team, and everyone who are joined in the journey to this region to follow all the safety measures and keep yourself in isolation if any symptoms are seen. Stay safe, stay healthy!
