The Himalayan Times
20 January 2022
COVID and corruption
More than 200 countries, including Nepal, around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 for the last two years with more than 300 million confirmed cases and more than five million deaths as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its recent news bulletin. Now, the new variant Omicron, which originated in South Africa, has started creating panic in the people in many countries, including Nepal where the number of infected cases seem to be gradually increasing.
WHO opines that COVID can spread through small liquid particles, which range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings or breathes. It spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, typically within 1 metre. It can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings where aerosols remain suspended in the air or travel farther than 1 metre. Also, it can spread if a person touches surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus.
In the meantime, WHO has recommended how to take preventive measures which include physical or social distancing, quarantining, and ventilation of indoor spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face. The use of face masks or coverings are a must in public settings to minimise the risk of transmissions. Considering the rapid increase in coronavirus infection cases in the recent days, the coalition government seems to be showing some concern about saving the lives of the people by mobilizing its available resources.
It was encouraging to know that the government has started giving booster shots to all the front line workers and people of 60 years and above who have received double doses of jabs “Nepal starts giving COVID-19 vaccine booster shots” (THT, January 18, Page 1). It is hoped that this time, concerned minister and officials will not get involved in corruptions while procuring vaccinations and other medical equipment.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
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