Following the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic which started from Wuhan city of Hubei Province in China, people from different walks of life have expressed concern over its possible spread in Nepal. Republica’s Shamila Lamichhane and Looniva Rajbhandari talked to youths from Kathmandu to learn what they think about this epidemic, what precautions they are observing to keep themselves safe and what they think the government should do to tackle this menace. Excerpts:

Adhya Shree KC, 18
I’m not really scared about being infected with the virus but still I am observing some precautions. I wear mask in public and keep my hands sanitized. The government must spread awareness on how the virus can spread. Basic health check-up should be made available. Online applications should be created for students to reach out to the government and the returning students should be kept in isolation for 14 days.
 
Adarsh Karn, 19
I am not really scared with the current outbreak of the coronavirus. Although it is a highly contagious virus, it is not as deadly as it is hoaxed to be. However, prevention is a must. So, I have been avoiding crowded areas and trying to maintain better hygiene. I don’t think Nepal is prepared for this sort of outbreak. More ICU wards should be made available to deal with this issue. As far as I know, the Kathmandu Valley barely has 500 beds. It is better to increase this number and keep the quarantine department on high alert.
 
Nian Rajbhandari, 30
I do not say I am scared, but I am definitely concerned about it. I have been washing my hands regularly, covering my cough and sneeze with a tissue and then disposing it properly and trying to stay away from people who have signs of respiratory tract infections. The government should block travelers who have been to China. If they are from Nepal, the government should bring them back after their regular check-up and if they are found infected, the government should treat them immediately before they could spread the disease. 

Prayas Raj Ojha, 19
I am quite scared about the spread of the coronavirus. Nepal is a relatively poor nation. If the coronavirus epidemic breaks out here, I fear we won’t be able to handle it. I wear masks while going out and also use hand sanitizers in public. Our government must restrict flights to and from China. Airports must be staffed with health professionals who can screen incoming passengers. Nepali students being repatriated from China must be heavily quarantined. They must be stationed somewhere in rural areas outside Kathmandu. Doctors attending to those people should put on hazmat suits.

Rojja Kharel, 19
I am quite afraid, especially because China is our neighbor and our government is not prepared at all. I do wear masks but I have not taken more  preventive measures as I like to believe that it has not really threatened Nepal. But yet the government should be ready to tackle the possible menace. Doctors, emergency clinics, and necessary equipment should be kept ready. Most importantly, mass awareness about the disease should be raised.

Shrid Gautam, 17
It’s pretty scary to see how quickly the novel coronavirus has spread and killed people. I wear a mask whenever I go outside, and clean my face and hands when I return home. Also, I am monitoring the symptoms on me and my family members. Screening centers have been set up and health check-up has been started at various border points. This is a good thing. Also, I heard that Nepal is sending chartered planes to evacuate Nepali students from china and doing a series of tests and completing the formalities before they arrive. 

Silva Rambu Bhattarai, 18
Since the WHO has already declared the coronavirus epidemic as a global health emergency, I am keeping myself up to date about this epidemic. I feel sorry for the people who lost their lives. I try and avoid traveling in public transports, wear a surgical mask and maintain proper hygiene. Our government should raise awareness among the people and tighten security at the airports. Nepali students returning from China should be carefully monitored and kept in isolation for at least a week until they are tested negative.

Sudip KC, 21
The coronavirus epidemic does sound alarming. I avoid going into the crowd as much as possible and use masks and hand sanitizers. A few of my friends arrived home recently from China. They said that they did not have to go through any health checkups or any sort of tests at the airport. This is the height of negligence on the part of our government authorities. 

Swastika Dhakal, 18
The coronavirus outbreak is quite scary. I am scared of how it might make its way to Nepal if preventive measures are not undertaken. I wear a mask whenever I go out and pay attention to my personal hygiene. The government ought to utilize the media to spread awareness on this infection. Nepal should restrict Nepali or Chinese nationals trying to come here from China. As the government prepares to bring Nepali students from China, I hope their safety as well as that of other Nepali citizens is guaranteed. The government should not even think of their evacuation unless proper accommodation and medical provisions are guaranteed here in Nepal.

 
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