Parmeshwar Devkota

On the last day of 2019, China reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) that a new type of flu was infecting 41 people in Wuhan since the second week of December. This prompted the WHO to ask countries to stay alert about the novel coronavirus disease. One month after the emergence of the virus, the world health agency declared that the COVID-19 developed into a full-blown pandemic, spreading across the globe like a wild fire. Like other nations, Nepal also sprang into action to prevent and control the virus with its available medical, fiscal and human resources.
The government introduced strong preventive measures against the virus. It shut down Nepal-China border points from 21 January and then imposed large-scale lockdown on March 24, bringing a complete halt to people’s mobility. All domestic and international flights, bus services, business, offices, schools and restaurants, among others, were closed down except for emergency medical and security services. With the continuous lockdown, the state incurred the huge losses running in billions but the onerous step meant for the safety of the citizens.
The WHO issued the safety protocols, which included wearing the mask, washing hands and keeping social distancing. But, many people apparently failed to pay heed to the protocol and health guidelines of the government. It continued to issue alert notices through different media, including Nepal Telecome’s services.
Seemingly, the commoners hardly took them seriously. Instead, they went on to brag that they had strong immune system capable to keep the virus at bay. Some know-alls even claimed that Lord Pashupatinath would finally save them while other offered a bizarre logic - they would surely survive the pandemic because they have been habituated to live in one of the world’s worst polluted city.
The government formed committees at various levels and designated 25 hub hospitals and satellite hospitals network across the nation for the treatment of the COVID-19 patients. It strengthened security along Nepal-India border but it proved impossible to manage the porous border. In many districts, the local level governments showed their mettle by establishing and effectively handling the quarantines and isolation wards for the returnee workers from India.
What did we actually do during the extended lockdown period? Instead of following the instructions of WHO and the government, we got indulged in criticising the works carried out by the three-tier of governments. A government is a part of the state. The people constitute the key part of the state so they have the equal responsibility in the time of crisis.
Therefore, it is the duty of all to lend a helping hand in the fight against the COVID-19. The constitution has clearly outlined the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens. We make clamour, demanding that our rights are met. We rush to the courts if they are violated. But sadly, we shy away from fulfilling our duties. It is a height of irresponsibility to run away from quarantines. Had we followed the safety protocols properly, we would have been successful in minimising the threat of virus, to a large extent.
So Dr. Anup Bastola from Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital at Teku rightly assesses the situation: ‘The weak level of awareness among people has led to the spread of the disease’.
We as responsible citizens should fulfill our ‘duties’ by following the health guidelines, thereby saving our parents, senior citizens and vulnerable community from the killer disease.