How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?

 Associated Press
NEW YORK, May 14: Experts don’t know yet because they’re still studying vaccinated people to see when protection might wear off. How well the vaccines work against emerging variants will also determine if, when and how often additional shots might be needed.

“We only have information for as long as the vaccines have been studied,” said Deborah Fuller, a vaccine researcher at the University of Washington. “We have to study the vaccinated population and start to see, at what point do people become vulnerable again to the virus?”

So far, Pfizer’s ongoing trial indicates the company’s two-dose vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. People who got Moderna’s vaccine also still had notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second required shot.

Antibodies also don’t tell the whole story. To fight off intruders like viruses, our immune systems also have another line of defense called B and T cells, some of which can hang around long after antibody levels dwindle. If they encounter the same virus in the future, those battle-tested cells could potentially spring into action more quickly.

Even if they don’t prevent illness entirely, they could help blunt its severity. But exactly what role such “memory” cells might play with the coronavirus -- and for how long -- isn’t yet known.

While the current COVID-19 vaccines will likely last for at least about a year, they probably won’t offer lifelong protection, as with measles shots, said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, a vaccine expert at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“It’s going to be somewhere in the middle of that very wide range,” she said.

Variants are another reason we might need an additional shot.

The current vaccines are designed to work against a particular spike protein on the coronavirus, said Mehul Suthar of the Emory Vaccine Center. If the virus mutates enough over time, vaccines might need to be updated to boost their effectiveness.

So far, the vaccines appear protective against the notable variants that have emerged, though somewhat less so on the one first detected in South Africa.

If it turns out we need another shot, a single dose could extend protection of the current shots or contain vaccination for one or more variants.

The need for follow-up shots will also depend partly on the success of the vaccination push globally, and tamping down transmission of the virus and emerging variants.

How to register online for Covid-19 vaccination in Nepal ?

A COVID‑19 vaccine is a vaccine intended to provide acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19).

Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population has published Urgent notice for people 18 years of age and older who want to be vaccinated against COVID-149 to fill out the Pre-Registration form.

HOW TO REGISTER
If you and your family members have not received 1st dose of the vaccine, register yourself at https://vaccine.mohp.gov.np/

view official notice below for more details:

Koteshwor and Maharajgunj are COVID-19 ‘hotspots’ in Kathmandu

Aug 24: At least 1,411 COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in the Kathmandu Metropolis, with more than 100 active cases each in Koteshwor and Maharajgunj areas.

According to a data of the Ministry of Health and Population till August 22, Koteshwor – ward number 32 of Kathmandu Metropolis – has 116 active cases, while Maharajgunj – ward number 3 – has 114 active cases.

Likewise, Sorkhakhutte has reported 94 cases, with at least seven patients recovered from the infection. Kalanki has reported at least 91 cases, followed by 74 cases in Mahaboudha, and 65 in Baluwatar.

Similarly, Naxal has seen 46 cases, while Lazimpat has reported only 10 cases.

However, the ministry has not provided the location of 238 COVID-19 infected patients.

The least affected areas in Kathmandu Metropolis are Nardevi and Bhimsensthan, with only two cases each. Similarly, there are eight cases in Dhobichaur, five in Damaitol, six in Lagan and 10 in Ombahal.

Similarly, Hadigaun has 52 cases, while Boudha and Chabahil have 18 and 31 cases, respectively. Likewise, Tripureshwor, Teku and Kalimati areas have recorded 45, 32, and 63 cases.

The metropolis has already seen eight corona-related deaths. Of the deaths, three are from Baneshwor, two are from Mahabouddha. Likewise, one patient each from Baneshwor, Damaitol, Bhimsensthan, Baluwatar also succumbed to the infection.

source: republica, 24 august 2020

New rules from Government in Kathmandu from Sunday (with notice)

With the end of the lockdown, the danger of corona has increased in the Kathmandu Valley. The number of corona infections is increasing day by day.

READ ALSO:

How to view SEE Result 2076 2077 ?

The District Administration Office, Kathmandu has brought new rules to reduce congestion as the risk of corona has increased in Kathmandu.

The new rules will be effective from 2077/04/18 (Sunday).

View official notice below for more details:

READ ALSO:

176 Government Vacancies; +2 can apply; Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of National Id and Civil Registration

Lockdown to continue, cabinet decides to extend term till May 18

 A meeting of the Council of Ministers held today has decided to extend the term of ongoing nationwide coronavirus-lockdown till May 18.

On Tuesday, a meeting of the High-Level Coordination Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19, held under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s chairmainship, had reviewed measures taken to prevent the spread of the pandemic and the impact of the ongoing lockdown, but concluded that measures taken to control the spread of coronavirus thus far had been effective.

READ ALSO:

Online School for Kids : Free Course, e-books, Learning Resources, Educational Computer Game Sites

The length of the lockdown imposed on March 25, which was extended on April 27 was maturing on Thursday.

Ministers take part in the Cabinet meeting held at PM’s official residence in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, on Wednesday, May6, 2020. Photo courtesy: PM’s Secretariat

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai told THT that a proposal was presented in the meeting to categorise areas as green, orange and red, but the PM said it was not the right time to go for relaxation of lockdown on the basis of categorisation, as COViD- 19 cases continued to rise in India and in certain districts of Nepal bordering India.

Oli told the meeting that some countries that lifted lockdown early regretted their decisions later and Nepal should avoid such a situation.

source: the himalayan times, 6 May 2020

READ ALSO:

SEE, Class (6-8) Online Education Learning Materials

COVID-19 cases in Nepal climb to 69 as ten more patients test positive today

May 3: Ten more coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Nepal on Sunday.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, Bikash Devkota, a 36-year-old male from Birgunj and nine other patients from Nepalgunj were diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier today.

With this, total confirmed cases in the country have reached 69. Of them, 16 have already recovered, while no death has been reported yet.

source: 3 May 2020, republica

READ ALSO:

1. 10 things you can do to prevent Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 )

2. COVID-19 : Risk communication guidelines for elderly, adults and people with underlying medical conditions

3. Crucial facts about COVID-19: Stop the Spread

Nepal extends nationwide lockdown until April 27

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the government on Tuesday decided to extend a nationwide lockdown until April 27.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers took a decision to this effect as per the recommendation of the High-Level COVID-19 prevention and control committee.

READ ALSO:

Jobs at American Embassy; Salary: NPR 66,500+ per month

The ongoing lockdown expires at midnight on Wednesday. All government services other than essential have been shut down, domestic and international flights have been suspended and people's movement has been restricted across the country. The country went into lockdown since March 24.

As of today, Nepal has 16 coronavirus active cases including one case of recovery.

Earlier today, neighboring India, which shares open and porous border with Nepal, extended the nationwide lockdown for nearly three more weeks, until May 3. COVID-19 cases have been increasing there in recent days with 339 deaths and 10,000 infections.
READ ALSO:

High paying jobs in Nepal for various positons; Salary: NRs. 60,000 - 150,000 Monthly

source: republica, 14 april 2020

Crucial facts about COVID-19: Stop the Spread

Dr. Rupendra Shrestha
A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that cause COVID-19 was discovered a couple of months ago from China. While the virus has been declared pandemic, many questions related to it are still unanswered.

So, the writer revisited important facts about COVID-19, which are of use to the general public.

 1. What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a coronavirus disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was first detected in the city of Wuhan, China, on December 2019.

2. What is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that is responsible for outbreak of COVID-19 (respiratory illness), which has now spread all over the world.

3. What is known about the virus?
SARS-CoV-2 is a β-coronavirus, an enveloped, non-segmented positive-sense RNA virus. There are four species of coronaviruses (CoV), namely α, β, γ, and δ. α and β species infect mammals, while birds are affected by γ and δ species.

Of the six human-susceptible CoVs, α-CoV (HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63) and β-CoV (HCoV-HKU1 and HCoV-OC43) are less pathogenic and cause mild respiratory symptoms.
While two other known β-CoV (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) result in severe and potentially lethal infections of the respiratory tract. In rows, the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence is 79.5 per cent, similar to that of a SARS-CoV.


4. What is the incubation period of the virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 is anywhere between 1–14 days. However, the median incubation time is about 5 days before developing symptoms.

5. How long does coronavirus survive outside of the body?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronavirus remains viable and infectious in the air for up to 3 hours. It survives on surfaces (plastic and stainless steel) for around 2-3 days.

6. What is the typicalhost for SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence is 96.2 per cent identical to that of a bat CoV RaTG13.Based on this result, the bat is suspected of being a natural host of virus origin.

7. How is SARS-CoV-2 transmitted to a human?
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is likely to be a bat-origin that crosses the species barrier to humans.
Direct contact with unknown intermediate hosts, consumption of wild animals, or spillover from bats could be the main routes of virus transmission to a human.
However, the possible intermediate host is yet to be identified. Although the route of transmission to humans remain elusive, the spread between humans is rapid.

8. What is the mechanism of infection?
SARS-CoV-2 interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to infect humans. ACE2 is a cell receptor that is present in the lower respiratory tract of a human.


9. What arethe COVID-19 case-fatality ratio (CFR) and infection-fatality ratio (IFR)?
An overall CFR of 2.3 per cent and IFR of 0.66 per cent was reported in mainland China. The higher case fatality rate is among >80 years and lowest in 0-9 years of age group.

10. What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, tiredness, dry cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms. About 80 per cent of patients recover without specific treatment, but older people and patients with comorbidities are more prone to becoming severely ill.

11. When to visit doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Seek a doctor for medical attention if emergency warning signs for COVID-19 are noticed. Such sign includes trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, inability to arouse, and bluish face/lips.

12. Why some patients with COVID-19 die?
Older people and patients with comorbidities are more susceptible to complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, multiorgan failure, thus leading to death.


13. Can virus re-infect after COVID-19 patient has recovered?
As the body's immune response, it is unlikely to get re-infected with COVID-19. Antibodies produced during infection provide immunity to the specific virus for months or even years.
Antibodies are usually formed 7-10 days after the initial onset of illness to neutralize the virus in the patients. Moreover, how COVID-19 immunity protects against infection in future is yet to be determined.

14. How to boost immunity for a healthy life?
Several body organs, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults.
Maintaining a consistent healthy lifestyle can be accomplished by avoiding smoking, moderately consuming alcohol, eating fruits, sufficient sleep, minimizing stress, daily exercise, maintaining a good weight and personal hygiene, etc.
Some powerful immune boosters include yogurt, citrus fruits, spinach, broccoli, ginger, garlic, and almond.

15. Is SARS-CoV-2 a laboratory construct?
SARS-CoV-2 is neither a purposely created, bioengineered virus nor an escape from the laboratory.

16. Is there any possibility of vertical transmission from mother to newborn?
Although there is no conclusive evidence, some research indicates the possibility of vertical transmission.
There are no reports of intrauterine transmission, but cases have been reported of in utero infection.
SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in maternal milk, and pregnancy doesn't worsen the clinical symptoms. However, due to close contact during feeding, droplet transmission to the newborns may occur.

17. Does the virus infect pets?
Recently, human to cat transmission of COVID-19 was reported in Belgium.
However, chicken, pigs, ducks, and dogs are not susceptible to infection. There is no clear information yet.

18. How useful are soap-water or alcohol-based sanitizers?
Soap-water is more effective in removing germs than hand sanitizers.
But, alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively reduce the number of germs, but sanitizers do not remove all kinds of organisms. Hand sanitizers with 60-95 per cent alcohol quickly minimize and kill microbes compared to non-alcoholic sanitizers.

19. Is the surgical face mask effective against transmission of SARS-CoV-2?
Yes, the surgical face mask prevents SARS-CoV-2 from spreading and also reduces the transmission of seasonal coronaviruses.

20. Who should wear a mask in an outbreak?
People with symptoms of illness, older people, patients with comorbidities, and frontline healthcare workers should wear a mask.

The use of a mask is intended to prevent the spread of the virus during the outbreak. Depending on availability, use of the mask can be optional to healthy people.

21. Why is it necessary to protect healthcare workers?
Healthcare workers (doctor, nurse, and laboratory scientists) are at the frontline to flight COVID-19 and provide medical care to the patients. Also, during an outbreak, the hospital environment could potentially be a source of virus spread, including healthcare works, patients, and visitors.

22. Who should involve in the testing of COVID-19?
Only certified medical laboratory scientists, pathologists, and physician-scientists should be involved in the testing of clinical samples for COVID-19.

They contribute to diagnostic reasoning and manage the care of patients with suspected or confirmed cases. Proper handling of infectious clinical samples and accurate diagnosis is vital in healthcare for prevention and treatment.

23. Who should be tested for COVID-19?
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Only hospitalized patients, symptomatic medical staff, people in close contact with infected patients, and visitors from the epidemic area should be tested for COVID-19. Most people suffer from mild illnesses and may recover at home.

24. Is COVID-19 curable?
So far, no approved antiviral therapies have been approved for COVID-19. Many of the symptoms can be cured, and hence, treatment depends on the patient's health condition.

25. Is there any vaccine available for COVID-19?
Few vaccines for novel coronavirus are under trial and may take years to be available for use to common people.

26. What are investigational agents for COVID-19?
Clinical studies are being conducted on a number of antiviral and supporting drugs, including remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and tocilizumab. A list of international clinical trials is available on the https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

27. What is an alternative therapy for COVID-19?
Passive antibody therapy (convalescent sera of individual recovered from COVID-19) could be an alternative one. At this point, WHO does not recommend any medicines to treat COVID-19 or to cure it.

28. What is shielding, self-isolation, social distancing, and quarantine?
Shielding is for those considered to be extremely vulnerable as a consequence of a specific health condition.

Self-isolation means remaining indoors and completely avoiding interaction with other people.
Social distancing is about restricting person-to-person contact.
Quarantine is a state, period, or place of isolation in which people who have traveled  or who have been exposed to infection are kept.

29. Is lockdown a solution to control COVID-19?
Yes, lockdown helps to prevent the spread and transmission of virus between humans. It is an emergency protocol that usually stops people from leaving an epidemic area.

30. Why have the South Asian countries reported less cases?
There is no clear explanation behind the low cases in south Asian countries.
But, it may be due to lack of mass testing, immunization with BCG, and the small number of visitors migrating to these countries.

31. Is hygiene hypothesis preventive for COVID-19?
There is no clear explanation behind link between them yet.

32. Why are the people working remotely during an outbreak?
It is to break the chain of virus transmission between humans and help to control the spread of the virus. "Stay home to protect yourself and then protect others."

33. Why is mass and indiscriminate testing necessary?
Mass and indiscriminate testing is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.
Identification and treatment of the disease limits the disease's expansion.
So, initiate to find, isolate, test, and treat every case, to break the chains of virus transmission.

34. How active surveillance systems and rapid response teams be helpful in an outbreak?
Active surveillance helps to provide the most reliable and timely information about the circumstances of the outbreak.They maintain regular communication with healthcare providers or the general public to obtain information.

Rapid case detection and response team is essential to stopping an outbreak through efficient monitoring and laboratory testing, effective management, and a strong workforce.

35. What is PPE, and why is it necessary for healthcare workers?
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes gowns, masks, gloves,  protective glasses and shoes or face shields, respirators and full-body suits, which are critical for reducing exposure to workplace hazards.

36. What are patients kept in negative pressure isolation room in the hospital?
Negative pressure rooms isolate patients with contagious diseases to shield everybody else from exposure.

This helps in trapping and holding potentially harmful particles within the room. It allows air to flow into the room but does not allow it to escape.

37. Why is health and science correspondence necessary in Nepal?
Health and science correspondence is necessary to convey evidence-based news and to deliver higher content, reliable, and accurate health stories. They have a much higher capacity for knowing the problems, accessing credible sources, keeping broad field expertise, connecting with their organizations, and advocate for quality reporting.

38. Why is Nepal struggling to test COVID-19?
While the world lacks sufficient SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity, Nepal has a specific lack of knowledge about DNA testing and molecular genetic facilities in the health care system.
In addition, Nepal does not have enough medical geneticist and genetic counselor whileignoring the value of genetic testing by the doctor in medicine.

39. How to control COVID-19 in Nepal?
WHO recommended standard precautions should be emphasized, and in particular, careful hand hygiene should be maintained.

Some critical factors need to be introduced, including awareness of the epidemiological situation in the country and worldwide, activating 24/7 emergency response services such as public health authorities, making on-site availability of sufficient PPE for healthcare workers, isolating suspected COVID-19 cases, arranging diagnostic testing, safety screening of frontline personnel in the event of an outbreak, environmental cleaning and waste management, and long-term surveillance, etc.

40. How can lack of support from people disturb prevention?
Effective attempt to search and diagnosis help in breaking the chain of disease transmission in society.

But, a one unsupportive people or a group can interfere the efforts to prevent disease and cause a major outbreak.

This loophole might be tough to control without citizen discipline, and support for social distancing by all citizens

41. How to confront a viral pandemic when vaccines and drugs are months or year away?
An old method known as passive antibody therapy helps doctors fight COVID-19. It requires the use of virus-neutralizing antibodies that are obtained from COVID-19 recovered patients.

42. How should Nepal prepare for possible future epidemic?
Nepal needs careful strategic planning before an outbreak happens.
Such planning takes considerable time and should therefore be addressed urgently.

Active planning should be implemented for operational planning, including occupational safety measures, stockpiling of equipment and drugs, professional training,and triage policy development.
In addition, Nepal should invest in health and research to achieve stronger pandemic preparedness.

43. What Nepal should learn from COVID-19 for future?
While the extent of the COVID-19 outbreak remains uncertain, there is considerable concern about the global spread of the virus.

A few useful insights about how future possible threats can be mitigated, includes early warning and accurate diagnosis, transparency to the public, activate 24/7 emergency response system, initiate active surveillance, precise documentation of possible carriers and infected people, and prepare with basic needs like facemasks and sanitizers.

In addition, the government should robust research and biotech industry.

44. How to find positivity in this grim pandemic situation?
While being bound to the home during a pandemic, people may find positivity in recreating their hobbies such as painting, crafting, singing, and dancing, engaging in meditation and yoga, reducing stress in yourself,and maintaining healthy and happy family time.

Dr. Shrestha (MS, PhD) is a Clinical Molecular Geneticist, working at Department of Genetics, Department of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA. source: risingnepal daily, 9 april 2020

Nationwide lockdown likely to be extended by another week, until midnight April 14

KATHMANDU, April 4: The nationwide lockdown will be extended at least by another week until midnight April 14, sources said.

A cabinet meeting has been called at 2 PM today to make a decision to this effect to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. The government is extending the lockdown for a second time.

"As per the recommendations made by High-Level Task Force and the Ministry of Health, the lockdown will be extended by another week," a source close to the Prime Minister told Republica Online.

READ ALSO:

High paying jobs in Nepal for various positons; Salary: NRs. 60,000 - 150,000 Monthly

The source informed that the Sudur Paschim province government has also suggested the federal government to extend the lockdown after the first locally transmitted coronavirus case recorded in Kailali late last week.

As the country approaches the second week under nationwide lockdown, the government authorities have concluded that the lockdown needs to be extended by another week to stop the spread of novel coronavirus disease.

READ ALSO:

Public Holidays in Nepal for 2077 B.S. (2020-2021 AD)

The government had first enforced the week-long lockdown order from March 24. Amid rising coronavirus cases, the government on March 29  extended the nationwide lockdown by another week, until April 7.

As of Friday, the country has witnessed nine COVID-19 confirmed cases. Of them, 1 had recovered and other eight are still receiving medical treatment.

source: republica, 6 april 2020

Nationwide lockdown extended till 3 Baisakh

The Nepal government decided on Monday to extend its national lockdown by another week till 3 Baisakh 2077 ( 15 April 2020). This the second time the government extended the lockdown.


As the COVID-19 cases are increasing in the country, the government decided to extend the lockdown by another week to stop the spread of coronavirus.

READ ALSO:

High paying jobs in Nepal for various positons; Salary: NRs. 60,000 - 150,000 Monthly

The government first enforced a week-long lockdown from March 24. Amid rising COVID-19 cases, the government extended the nationwide lockdown by one week, until April 7.
As of Friday, the country has witnessed nine COVID-19 confirmed cases. Of them, 1 had recovered and other eight are still receiving medical treatment.

READ ALSO:

Public Holidays in Nepal for 2077 B.S. (2020-2021 AD)

Lockdown extended till April 7 midnight

The government today decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till April 7 as the number of COVID-19 cases rose to five since the lockdown was announced on March 23.
“The directive issued as per the Infectious Disease Act 1963 has been extended till April 7 midnight,” said Minister of Finance, Communications and Information Technology Yubaraj Khatiwada at a televised press conference after the Cabinet meeting.

On March 23, the government had announced a weeklong nationwide lockdown from March 24 till March 31.
READ ALSO:

COVID-19 : Risk communication guidelines for elderly, adults and people with underlying medical conditions

The Cabinet also decided that restriction of people’s movement through international borders on both northern and southern sides would be extended till April 7 midnight. Movement of vehicles carrying goods, however, will continue as usual.

The government formed a ‘Corona 2019 Crisis Management Team’ under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel. The team will basically ensure implementation of the government’s decision to prevent and control novel coronavirus.

Other members of the team are Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, Finance Minister Khatiwada, Industry and Supplies Minister Lekh Raj Bhatta, Federal Affairs Minister Hridayesh Tripathi and chiefs of security agencies.

The government has decided to extend suspension of incoming international flights till April 15.

A separate meeting of the high-level coordination committee for the prevention and control of novel coronavirus took the decision earlier in the afternoon.

The government had on March 20 decided to halt international flight operations at Tribhuvan International Airport from March 22 to March 31. Domestic flights have remained suspended since the country went for a nationwide complete lockdown on March 24.
.

READ ALSO:

Govt. launches website, mobile app to disseminate COVID-19 information

The government also decided to take security agencies’ help while setting up and operating quarantine facilities across the country.

It was decided to deliver medical equipment received from China, such as personal protective equipment, to the provinces as per their need. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the committee’s Member Secretary Ram Prasad Bidari said the government received five units of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) machines, which were used for the test of COVID-19 infection.

He said four of the machines would be delivered to Karnali, Sudurpaschim and provinces 1 and 5 immediately. One machine will be kept in Kathmandu and will be sent to places where needed. Testing has already begun in Dharan.

“As we receive more equipment, we’ll deliver it to the provinces,” said Bidari. “The government will also deliver 1,000 units of PPE to each of the seven provinces, besides other equipment and medicines.” The government has also decided to let Nepalis, who are stuck at border points on their way back home, enter Nepal showing their identity cards. However, they will be allowed in on the condition that they compulsorily undergo a 14-day quarantine at the nearest quarantine facility. All their details will also be taken. The exercise will be carried out in coordination with provincial and local governments.

In the case of Nepali students living in foreign countries, parents can send them money from Nepal and Nepal Rastra Bank will make necessary arrangements for the same. “Nepali students have been urged to stay safe wherever they are. They have been requested to return only after the situation becomes normal,” said Bidari.

The government will also seek help from security agencies to ensure smooth supply of food, medicines and daily essentials. “The government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that supply remains smooth,” said Bidari.

source: the himalayan times, 29 March 2020
READ ALSO:

10 things you can do to prevent Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 )

SEE, TU, CTEVT, all other exams postponed indefinitely

19 March 2020: Tribhuvan University postpones all scheduled exams
Tribhuvan University has announced postponement of the university-level examinations (yearly and semester) which were earlier scheduled to commence from March 20 and March 22, and those which are currently being held.

The University Executive Council made the announcement today in the wake of directives issued by the high-level coordination committee meeting held yesterday to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.
The high-level coordination committee had yesterday decided to shut down all educational institutions, including, kindergartens, schools, colleges and universities in the country until the end of Chaitra (April 12) and postponed Secondary Education Examination (SEE), along with all other examinations until further notice.
Tribhuwan University had not registered a formal response to the government’s call to halt exams and had hinted about going ahead with the pre-set schedules. However, with the latest announcement, the classes along with exams have been put-off for now (source: the himalayan times, 19 March 2020
The government also deferred CTEVT and other university examinations until further notice.

Notice from Tribhuvan University:




Notice from Government of Nepal, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology below:

Notice from Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering, Office of the Dean:


All IOE's exam are postponed and no classes will be conducted until next notice.

Notice from CTEVT, Gandaki Province :


READ ALSO:

Salary Scale of Government Officials in Nepal 2019/20

COVID-19 : Risk communication guidelines for elderly, adults and people with underlying medical conditions

The virus that causes COVID-19 infects people of all ages. However, evidence to date suggests that two groups of people are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease.

These are older people (that is people over 60 years old); and those with underlying medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer).

The risk of severe disease gradually increases with age starting from around 40 years. It’s important that adults in this age range protect themselves and in turn protect others that may be more vulnerable. WHO has issued advice for these two groups and for community support to ensure that they are protected from COVID-19 without being isolated, stigmatized, left in a position of increased vulnerability or unable to access basic provisions and social care.

This advice covers the subject of receiving visitors, planning for supplies of medication and food, going out safely in public and staying connected with others through phone calls or other means. It is essential that these groups are supported by their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. WHO emphasizes that all people must protect themselves from COVID-19, which will also protect other.

Recommendations and advice for the public

If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low. It is understandable that you may feel anxious about the outbreak. Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions

Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family. If you are in an area where there are cases of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously.

Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.

Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.

Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

(Source: World Health Organization)

How to prevent Coronavirus Disease ( COVID-19 ), Protective measures against Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus is continuing its spread in many countries around the world.

Amid coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization has listed ten things (Basic protective measures ) that people should be taking to get ready:

1. Clean your hands regularly – wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand rub

2. Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant – for example kitchen benches and work desks;
3. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources;

4. Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough, and if you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you
get to your destination, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been;
5. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If using a tissue, dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands;

6. Take extra precautions to avoid crowded areas if you are over 60 years old, or if you have an underlying condition;


7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional;

8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and cutlery to eat;

9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately;

10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country that has been affected. Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe in your workplace, school or place of worship.

READ ALSO:

Lok Sewa Aayog : Exam preparation guides,  Questions answer & Reading materials