You’ve been planning this trip to Nepal for a while and finally got the opportunity to go. You’ve been to Kathmandu before but this time you want to do some adventuring and see all the local sights. While you were in Tokyo, Japan you heard about the coronavirus pandemic that started there. You read about how the Japanese Prime Minister had to close schools and restrict travel. You are worried about getting sick and being quarantined. You start to wonder if this is a bad idea. You check the flight schedule to Nepal and discover that the flight will only be arriving on March 28, a week from today. When you arrive at the airport you see a lot of people wearing face masks. You are not sure if they are wearing them because they are infected or because they think it will protect them from getting sick. You don’t know if it’s okay to go out in public or if you will be exposed to the virus. You see many stores and businesses closed because of the pandemic so there are not a lot of people around. You start to get nervous.
Kathmandu is in one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. The streets are lined with shops and small restaurants. There are tour guides trying to sell you t-shirts, masks, and other items. You see some people wearing face masks but others aren’t. You wonder if they’re just trying to look cool or if they’re also worried about getting sick. Seeing all the empty streets is making you feel a little anxious. You have your camera with you and decide to take a picture of a man riding a motorbike. When you do, he stops, extends his hand, and asks you if you’re enjoying Nepal. You tell him you are and ask if he’s coming from Bangkok or Amsterdam. He tells you he’s from Kathmandu and that he’s been living here for over 10 years now. You start to feel a little more comfortable. Little did you know that this is what people here lived through. You see a lot of damage from the pandemic. A lot of restaurants and hotels were closed so there aren’t a lot of people around. You ask the man if there’s anywhere else you can get your bearings. He points you in the direction of the main square. You ask if it’s possible to get a map and he hands you one. You ask if he’s been affected by the pandemic at all and he tells you that he lost his daughter to leukemia a few years back. You thank him for his time and head off in the direction of the main square. You see many people wearing masks, gloves, and eye protection. You wonder if they’re protecting themselves from getting sick or preventing the spread of the virus.
The airport is a 40-minute drive from the center of town. You arrive at the check-in counter and see a few other international arrivals. You go ahead and check in your bag. The agent at the counter asks if you’re going to Kathmandu. You tell her you are and ask if she’s heard of the coronavirus. She looks at you strangely and tells you that there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nepal. You realize that you’re not in Tokyo anymore and that things are different here. You’re not sure if you should be worried or not, but when the agent tells you there are no coronavirus cases in Kathmandu you feel relieved. You ask her if you can put your mask on and she tells you that you’re welcome to.
Is It Safe To Visit Kathmandu?
You’ve been to many places abroad and been able to travel independently. You’ve never experienced anything like this and it makes you feel nervous. You’re not sure what kind of precautions to take. Should you be looking to avoid getting sick or catching the virus, from what you understand it’s best to avoid going to places where there are a lot of people or places where you feel out of place. You’ve heard stories of people being attacked in Tokyo because they were wearing a mask. You know that some people will always be suspicious of those who are trying to protect others from getting sick. You’re not sure if public transport is safe and whether or not it’s wise to go ahead with your plan. You need guidance.
Should You Be Worried About The Coronavirus In Kathmandu?
You’re worried. A lot. You want to cancel your trip and return home to Tokyo but you need to finish what you’ve started. You need to see Nepal. You want to protect yourself so you wear a mask whenever you go outside and take lots of precautions when you do your research. You discover that there are many cases of people who tested positive for the coronavirus while in Kathmandu. You read about how the locals didn’t have much to go on and how limited healthcare resources were fighting an unexpected enemy. You feel guilty. Maybe you’re not doing enough to protect yourself. Maybe you should be wearing a mask more often. Maybe you should be avoiding public transportation. You read that some people who got sick had their immune systems weakened because they were already infected with HIV. Do you have HIV? You don’t know. You do your best to keep up with the news but there is so much information overload that you feel paralyzed. Maybe you should be getting a flu shot? You’re not sure what exactly you’re worried about. There are a lot of unknowns. You have a week to go and you want to make sure that you do everything you can to leave Kathmandu healthy. Maybe this is a bad idea after all?
What To Do In Case Of Emergency?
You’re in Nepal. You’ve been to many of the famous temples and seen thousands of smiling faces. You’ve gotten to know the locals and feel comfortable speaking Nepali. You’re not sure what to do if you get sick but you assume that you’ll be treated in a hospital. You’ve brought your medical supplies and have a plan. You’re not sure if you should tell anyone that you’re heading home or keep it a secret. You’re not sure what precautions to take. Should you stay in a hotel or apartment? Should you cancel your trip to Kathmandu? Should you lie about why you’re in Nepal? Maybe get a treatment regimen that doesn’t require you to tell anyone what you’re taking? You don’t know. You’re stressed out and have a lot on your mind. You need help.
Should You Visit Kathmandu Or Not?
You want to protect yourself and your family. You read about how some people became seriously ill because they visited Nepal and how others caught the virus due to contact with an infected person. You wonder if you should go to Kathmandu or whether or not it’s worth the risk. You read that people who got sick were exposed to the virus through contact with an animal. You’re not sure if animals can contract the virus and become carriers. It’s possible that you could unintentionally expose yourself to the coronavirus while in Kathmandu. You’re really concerned about the risks associated with going to Nepal. There are a lot of unknowns. You want to be sure that you’re doing the right thing for your health and the health of those you love.
How Is The Health Care In Nepal?
You’re in the capital city and have access to all of the healthcare services. There are a lot of health professionals and facilities here. You feel safe and secure in this environment. You have a lot of options available to you. Maybe you don’t need to go to Nepal after all?
There are a lot of variables to consider when thinking about visiting Nepal. You have to ask yourself if you’re able to deal with the altitude. Do you have all of the necessary equipment with you? Is someone going to be available to help you if you get sick or injured? Do you have enough money to get you through the week? Are you sure that you’re making the right decision for your health? Is it safe to visit Kathmandu? These are all questions that you have to ask yourself before going anyplace. You never know what could happen, especially since we’re not sure how this pandemic is going to play out. We don’t know if or when life will go back to normal. We are not yet certain how this virus will spread. With so much uncertainty, it’s hard to say what will be safe to do and what won’t be. Hopefully, you’ll be able to go to Nepal soon but until then you have to be smart about what you do.