Government mulls smart lockdown

As Nepal witnessed a sharp spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in recent days, the government is mulling to enforce a smart lockdown, apart from international border closure and suspension all international flights.

A Covid-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC) meeting held today discussed on possibilities of closing the international border and suspending international flights to and from Nepal in case of sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

"As the number of Covid-19 cases has continued to increase, the government may have to close the international border and suspend international flights as a precaution to contain further spread of the Covid-19 cases," confirmed a senior government official. "Though, the government is yet closely watching the situation and has not decided yet, the CCMC meeting decided to tighten cross-border movement and keep Covid-19 affected people in quarantines and holding centers,| he said, adding that the meeting today decided to increase the capacity of holding centers. "The meeting also decided to immediately complete the under-construction holding centers and arrange necessary budget."

Due to the severity of the Covid-19 cases, all the seven provinces are building holding centers that can accommodate at least 1,000 people at a time.

The next meeting will decide on smart lockdown, if the Covid-19 cases continue to rise. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 24 new cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 has been confirmed today. Likewise, the number of new cases of Covid-19 is also increasing sharply as Friday alone recorded some 968 new cases, almost double from 540 a day earlier. Wednesday witnessed only 435 new cases of Covid-19.

The CCMC meeting, chaired by the prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, today also discussed closing cinema halls and schools, and prohibiting mass gatherings, though, the government is expanding the scope of Covid-19 tests across the country.

Addressing the Directorate Committee of CCMC meeting today, the prime minister also directed all government agencies to take necessary precautions to help contain further spread of Covid-19 cases. 

ADB approves $ 165 million loan to Nepal to procure vaccines against Covid-19

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a loan of $165 million for Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalis, according to a press note issued by the ADB today.

|ADB’s support will help Nepal procure much-needed Covid-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” said ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa. "It is essential that Covid-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits."

The project is financed by ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility launched in December 2020 to offer rapid and equitable vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. "Vaccines eligible for financing must meet at least one of the APVAX eligibility criteria: the vaccine has been selected for procurement through the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism; the vaccine has been prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or WHO emergency use listing; or the vaccine has received regular or emergency licensure or authorisation by a Stringent Regulatory Authority," reads the press note.

In addition to this project, ADB’s ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of Covid-19 and the benefits of vaccination. The government is mobilising female community health volunteers to disseminate information among marginalised communities to raise awareness. At least one female health worker or volunteer will support the effort in every vaccination site or outreach center, it adds.

ADB closely collaborates with other partners, like the World Bank, COVAX, WHO, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in supporting Nepal in its efforts to vaccinate its people as soon as possible, the press note reads, adding that the project will complement the government’s broader response through its $1.2 billion National Relief Programme, which consists of social protection, health care, and economic relief measures. "In May 2020, ADB provided support to the programme through a $250 million concessional loan.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, 49 from the region.

Italy extends support to Nepal to fight Covid pandemic

A consignment of medical equipment and supplies from Italy arrived early today morning to support Nepal fight the second wave of the pandemic through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Italy is among the 12 EU member estates – Spain, Finland, France, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, Denmark and Ireland – responding to Nepal’s call for assistance. More support is expected soon from Lithuania and Germany, according to a press note issued by the EU Office in Kathmandu.

"In these challenging times, Italy is at the frontline of the fight against coronavirus, as testified also by the Global Health Summit co-hosted with the European Commission in Rome last May 21st," ambassador of Italy to Nepal Vincenzo de Luca said, adding that in the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, this relief flight to Nepal is a sign of the support and solidarity of Italy towards the Nepalis friends. "Once more, the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) based in Brindisi, Italy, has proven to be a crucial logistic support to humanitarian airlifts everywhere in the world."

The relief equipment donated by Italy consists of 20 ventilators, 6000 isolation gowns and 10,000 protective overalls.

Honorary Consul to Italy Pratima Pande joined by the EU ambassador to Nepal Nona Deprez handed over the equipment to chief specialist from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Dr Roshan Pokhrel at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). In a true Team Europe spirit, the ambassadors of Germany and France also participated in the ceremony.

"As long-standing friends and partners, the EU and its member states support Nepal during these difficult times," Nona Deprez said, adding that the medical supplies will help against the spread of Covid and alongside public health measures will help save precious lives across Nepal.

Alongside other donors, the EU will monitor the distribution and the use of the supplies across the country, the press note reads.

The recording of the quantity of supplies entering the country and quantities moving out from the Humanitarian Staging Areas in Sinamangal, is done in the e Logistic Management Information System (eLIMS) of Health Ministry.

Canada supports Tele-Medicine Services for Covid-19 patients in rural Nepal

Canada has announced funding of $50,000 (around Rs 4.82 million) to the ASK Foundation of Nepal in support of its work in providing tele-medicine services to Covid-19 patients residing in rural areas of Nepal. This funding is provided through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and supports the Government of Nepal’s Covid-19 Response Plan, according to a press note issued by the Canadian Embassy for Nepal in New Delhi.

As part of the project the ASK Foundation will provide services to those affected by Covid-19, with a particular focus on those in the remote and rural parts of Nepal, including a hotline providing medical consultations for Covid-19 patients; monitoring of Covid-19 patients in home isolation and the provision of timely referrals; and tele-ICU services to connect patients with care centers, as well as connecting local doctors and nurses with experts in Kathmandu, who provide on-line medical advice.

As a result of the project, approximately 20,000 Covid-19 patients from rural areas will receive medical counselling and hospitalization support for critical cases; an expected 1,000 Covid-19 patients in home isolation in rural areas will receive monitoring care and referrals for hospitalisation; and an estimated 400 patients are also expected to benefit from tele-ICU services, the press note reads. "In addition, the project will also provide on-the-job training to medical professionals practicing outside of Kathmandu to help them treat ICU patients."

The monitoring of patients in home isolation will be carried out in collaboration with Health Advance Programmes (HAPSA), one of the members of the Covid Alliance. HAPSA will provide isolation kits, which include medical devices, medicines and leaflets containing information on related care for infection and a hotline number.

"Canada is pleased to continue supporting lifesaving efforts in Nepal by awarding funding to the ASK Foundation to provide tele-medicine services for Covid-19 patients in rural areas," Canada’s acting ambassador to Nepal Deirdre Kent said, adding that Canada also recently contributed to Nepal’s fight against Covid-19 via grants of $1 million to the Red Cross and $1.5 million to UNICEF. "In addition, a Canadian Armed Forces flight carrying donated medical supplies will soon be on its way. Canada stands with our friend and partner Nepal in its fight against Covid-19."

Government relaxes prohibitory orders

The Kathmandu Valley district administrations decided to extend the prohibitory orders in the Valley by a week but with some relaxation.

Though, the prohibitory orders will remain in force until  June 28, the private vehicles will be allowed to operate on an odd-even basis, confirmed chief district officer of Kathmandu district, Kali Prasad Parajuli. 

Likewise, taxi services will also operate based on the odd-even system, he said adding that other public transportation services, however, are yet to resume. 

A meeting of the Valley’s three chief district officers today announced the decision to relax the orders starting Tuesday citing the declining cases of Covid-19 infections in the Valley.

The prohibitory orders, first introduced for a week starting April 29, have been extended several times and are due to expire on Monday midnight.

The businesses are also allowed to operate on alternate days, chief district officer of Lalitpur district Dhundi Prasad Niraula, said, adding that the grocery and department stores will be allowed to open till 11 am every day, various other shops will remain open from 11 am to 4 pm and 11 am to 6 pm.

According to chief district officer of Bhaktapur district Prem Prasad Bhattrai, the shops are allowed to open on particular day and particular time. 

"Jewellery shops, electronics stores and automobile shops will be allowed to open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, whereas shopping malls, clothing stores, gift shops, sports apparel stores and cosmetic shops will be allowed to operate on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays," according to the notice published by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu.

Likewise, restaurants are allowed to run takeaway services till 7 pm, and shops selling construction materials, bathroom fixtures and accessories and furniture stores are allowed to open from 11 am till 6 pm. "Vehicles carrying construction materials are also allowed to operate at night," the notice reads.

The daily Covid-19 cases have been coming down after peaking on May 11 when the country confirmed a record 9,317 new infections. The daily new infection numbers has come down to 1,421 with 51 fatalities, today.

Indian Army hands over medical equipment to Nepal Army

 Indian Army has sent medical equipment to Nepal Army.

As part of its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, medical equipment and supplies worth Rs 288 million provided by the Indian Army were handed over to the Nepali Army today, according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. "In a ceremony at Nepali Army headquarters, the medical equipment was handed over by Indian ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Nepal Army General Purna Chandra Thapa," the press note reads, adding that the ambassador reaffirmed India’s support to Nepali Army in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and lauded its contribution in this respect. 

The medical equipment, including ventilators, ambulances, ICU beds, PPE kits, PCR test Kits etc was delivered to Kathmandu yesterday. "The Indian Army has been assisting the Nepal Army to fight Covid-19 through various kinds of assistance since last year, including 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccines, which were provided in March," it adds. "The latest assistance is another testament to the close cooperation between the two armies and the two countries, particularly in times of need."

आर्थिक वृद्धिदर २.७ प्रतिशतमा खुम्चिने

सरकारले ४ प्रतिशत हाराहारी भने पनि विश्व बैंकले भने चालु वर्षको आर्थिक वृद्धिदर २.७ प्रतिशतमा सीमित हुने प्रक्षेपण गरेको छ । कोरोना कहरकै बीचमा ल्याएको चालु आर्थिक वर्षको बजेटमा तत्कालीन अर्थमन्त्री डा. युवराज खतिवडाले ७ प्रतिशत आर्थिक वृद्धिको लक्ष्य राखेका थिए । आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण जारी गर्दै गत शनिबार उपप्रधानमन्त्री तथा अर्थमन्त्री विष्णु पौडेलले चालु आर्थिक वर्षमा ४ प्रतिशत हाराहारी आर्थिक वृद्धि हुनसक्ने बताएका थिए ।

बन्दाबन्दी तथा लगातारको निशेधाज्ञाका कारण गत आर्थिक वर्षमा २.१२ प्रतिशतले ऋणात्मक भएको अर्थतन्त्र चालु आर्थिक वर्षका केहि महिनामा चलायमान देखिए पनि पूर्ण विस्तार हुन नसकी २.७ प्रतिशतमै सीमित हुने विश्व बैंकले प्रक्षेपण गरेको हो । गत आर्थिक वर्षमा चैतदेखि असारसम्म ४ महिना बन्दाबन्दकिा कारण अर्थतन्त्र ऋणात्मक रहेको भए पनि चालू आर्थिक वर्षमा बजार केही चलायमान रहेको थियो । तर कोरोना महामारीको दोस्रो लहरका कारण चालू आर्थिक वर्षमा वैशाख महिनादेखि देशभर निशेधाज्ञा लागू भएको छ ।

कोरोना महामारीको दोस्रो लहरका कारण देशभर निषेधाज्ञा बढ्दै गएको र यसैका कारण बजार चलायमान हुन नसकेको हुनाले अर्थतन्त्रको विस्तार तीव्र नहुने विश्व बैंकको अनुमान छ । नेपाल उद्योग वाणिज्य महासंघका अनुसार पनि मुलुकभर करिब ७० प्रतिशत उद्योग व्यवसाय निषेधाज्ञाको कारण बन्द रहेका छन् ।

विश्व बैकले बुधबार आफनो वैश्विक प्रतिवेदन ग्लोबल इकोनोमिक प्रोस्पेक्ट्स जारी गर्दै आगामी आर्थिक वर्ष पनि नेपालको आर्थिक वृद्धिदर ३.९ प्रतिशतमै सीमित हुने अनुमान गरेको छ । तर सरकारले जेठ १५ गते अध्यादेश बजेट प्रस्तुत गर्दै ६.५ प्रतिशत हाराहारमिा आर्थिक वृद्धि हुने लक्ष्य राखेको छ ।

ग्लोबल इकोनोमिक प्रोस्पेक्ट्सका अनुसार विश्व अर्थतन्त्र ५.६ प्रतिशतले बढ्ने अनुमान रहेको छ । प्रतिवेदनका अनुसार दक्षिण एसियामा भारतको अर्थतन्त्र ७.२ प्रतिशतले ऋणात्मक, भुटानको १.२ प्रतिशतले ऋणात्मक, बंगलादेशको ३.६ प्रतिशत तथा पाकिस्तानको १.३ प्रतिशत, श्रीलंकाको ३.४ प्रतिशत आर्थिक वृद्धिदर रहने अनुमान छ । आगामी आर्थिक वर्ष भने सबै दक्षिण एसियाली राष्ट्रको आर्थिक वृद्धिदरमा सुधार आउने अनुमान विश्व बैंकले गरेको छ ।

Nepal receives medical support from US

In response to the request of the Government in the context of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the United States of America has sent a cargo aircraft containing important medical supplies.

The support materials – first of the three chartered aircraft arriving within the next two days – were received by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Dr Jageshwar Gautam from the officials of the Embassy of the USA and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The medical support includes surgical masks, face shields, and gloves, according to a press note issued by the USAID. "This is in addition to the earlier support received from USAID including 100 units of ventilators, Covid-19 testing facilities and equipment, oxygen-related materials, personal protection equipment (PPEs) and other lifesaving medical supplies."

The USAID claimed that it is scheduled to hand over 1,000 oxygen cylinders to the Ministry of Health and Population tomorrow. "The much-needed medical support has been instrumental in saving lives and complementing the national initiatives for treatment, prevention and control of Covid-19."

The government expressed gratitude to the US government and people  for the solidarity they extended to the people of Nepal, reflecting the longstanding bilateral relations marked by friendship and cooperation. "The effort made by the US Embassy and USAID in Kathmandu for the timely delivery of the support materials has been acknowledged with appreciation,” reads the press note.

Some 22 districts are extremely hit by Covid-19

Of the total 77 districts in the country, some 22 districts are marked as extremely hit based on the number of new Covid-19 infections, according to a press note issued by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP).

The districts in the southern plains are severely hit by the new variant of the deadly coronavirus, the press note reads, adding that all three districts in the Valley including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, and Tarai districts including Morang, Jhapa, Parsa, Bara, Dhanusha, Chitwan, Dang, Banke, Rupandehi, Bardiya, Kapilvastu, Kailali and Kanchanpur are also categorised as the extremely-affected districts. "Few The hill districts including Makwanpur, Palpa and Kaski are also effected by the second wave of Covid-19."

The trend of new infections is at an alarming rate which could not be addressed by the health system.

The ministry has also aurged people to abide by public health protocol like wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowds and washing hands with soap and water frequently as precautionary measure.

China is providing 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine as grant assistance

 After India, now China has come forward to help Nepal get vaccine against Covid-19 on the request of the government.

Issuing a press note today, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu said that China has decided to provide 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine under grant assistance to Nepal. “The Chinese government has decided to provide 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Nepal, which will benefit 150,000 Nepalis,” The press note reads, adding that China and Nepal are good neighbours, good friends and good partners. “Facing whatever challenges like the earthquake and the pandemic, the two countries have always supported and helped each other through thick and thin.”

“Despite huge demands for the vaccines both in China domestically and across the world at present, the Chinese government has prioritised Nepal in providing the vaccines, fully demonstrating the great importance it attaches to the China-Nepal friendship," the press note reads, adding that the vaccine to be donated to Nepal is developed by the Sinopharm and has already got conditional marketing approval in China. “After a two-dose inoculation procedure, the vaccine shows 79.34 per cent efficacy against Covid-19, and the seroconversion rate of neutralising antibodies reached 99.52 per cent.”

The safety and effectiveness of the vaccine has surpassed the marketing standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and received wide recognition by other countries. “The vaccine has got licenses for marketing or approval for emergency use in 13 countries including Pakistan, the UAE, Egypt, and Hungary.

The embassy is coordinating with Nepali authorities on the registration for emergency use and receipt of the vaccine and would like to deliver the vaccines to the Nepali side at the earliest so as to help Nepal win the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the press note. “The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Nepali side to build a community of health for all and further strengthen and promote the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring the ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two countries.”

India has provided 1 million corona vaccine to Nepal as the gift under its 'neighbourhood first' policy.

Some 28,732 frontline workers receive shot of Covishield today

 Some 28,732 frontline workers received a shot of ‘Covishield’ across the country today, the second day of the vaccination drive against Covid-19.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the vaccination drive against Covid-19 across the country yesterday morning.

According to the spokesperson at the Health Ministry Dr Jageshwar Gautam, “Some 3,847 in Province 1, some 2,174 in Province 2, some 11,461 in Bagmati Province, some 4,853 frontline workers in Gandaki Province, some 2,303 in Lumbini Province, some 1,677 in Karnali Province, and some 2,417 in Sudur Pashchim Province received the vaccine against Covid-19 today.”

“The government is inoculating at least 450,000 frontline workers fighting against Covid-19 in the first phase of the vaccination drive,” he said, adding that none of the persons receiving the vaccines have shown any signs of health complications.

India has – under its neighbor first policy’ gifted 1 million doses of Covishield, AstraZeneca-Oxford University vaccine manufactured under license by Serum Institute of India.

On the first day, yesterday, the government inoculated some 9,084 frontline workers across seven provinces. “Some 1,255 in Province 1, some 726 in Province 2, some 2,694 in Bagmati Province, some 1,843 in Gandaki Province, some 733 in Lumbini Province, some 751 in Karnali Province, and some 1,082 in Sudur Pashchim Province received the shot of Covishield vaccine yesterday,” Gautam informed, adding that the frontline workers – including health workers, sanitation workers, ambulance drivers, security personnel and volunteers serving at vaccination centers, people mobilized to manage dead bodies, women health volunteers, health workers and other government employees serving at the border check posts, people living in elderly homes and inmates and security personnel serving in various jails across the country – will get the priority in the first phase of the vaccination drive, according to the government policy.

India officially hands over Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal

 India today officially handed over the Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal amid a programme organised at Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.

Indian ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra formally handed over the ‘gifts’ from the Indian government to Nepal to the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. India gifted one million doses of ‘Made in India’ Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal for the immediate requirement of healthcare and front-line workers, according to a press note issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, today.

Envoy Kwatra, on the occasion, said the vaccines were a gift from the people of India to the people of Nepal and conveyed best wishes for Nepal’s vaccination drive. Prime Minister Oli thanked Prime Minister of India for the generous grant of Covid-19 vaccines to Nepal and said gifts are always a special gesture and the gift of vaccines at the time of crisis adds on to the significance.

“The vaccines were supplied on the request of the government,” the press note reads, adding that the assistance was also discussed during the recently concluded 6th India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting co-chaired by the two foreign ministers in New Delhi on January 15. 

An aircraft of Air India carrying Covid-19 vaccines landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 11:30AM local time today. Indian envoy Kwatra and health minister Hridayesh Tripathi received the vaccines on arrival at the airport. Envoy Kwatra, on the occasion, expressed the hope that the arrival of the vaccines would mark the beginning of the end of Covid-19 and reiterated India's steadfast commitment to the people of Nepal in their efforts to defeating the virus. Health Minister Tripathi, on the occasion, said the timely gift of Indian vaccines to Nepal was akin to a parallel roll-out in both countries.

Ahead of today’s supply, India had extended human resource training to Nepal for vaccine roll out at the ground level covering, inter alia, administrative and operational aspects of immunisation, cold chain, and communication and data management, the press note reads, adding that the gratis supply of such vaccines to Nepal fulfills the solemn promise made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight this pandemic. It is also in keeping with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. India under the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative is providing vaccines, in aid, to its neighbouring countries. As part of its programme, India had sent the Covid-19 vaccines to Bhutan and Maldives yesterday.

The supply of the vaccines today is in continuation of regular Covid-19 assistance provided by India to Nepal since the onset of the pandemic, covering hydroxychloroquine medicines, RT-PCR test kits, ICU ventilators, Remdesivir medicines and ambulances, it adds.

राजनीतिले बन्धक बनाएको अर्थतन्त्र

नेपाली अर्थतन्त्र फेरि एकपटक ‘गलत राजनीति’को बन्धक भएको छ । इतिहासमा पटकपटक गरेका तथा भएका अरुका गल्तीबाट नसिकी सहज बहुमतप्राप्त सरकारको अल्पायु मरण रोजेका प्रधानमन्त्री केपी शर्मा ओलीले नेपाललाई राजनीतिक अस्थिरताको भूमरीमा लाँदै गर्दा यसले अर्थतन्त्रमा पार्ने असरको बारेमा आकलन गरेनन् वा गर्न आवश्यकता ठानेनन् ।

कोरोना कहरबाट विस्तारै तङ्ग्रिन लागेको अर्थतन्त्रमा निर्मम प्रहार हुने गरी प्रधानमन्त्रीले आफूलाई पाँच वर्षे कार्यकाल आवश्यक नभएको झैं गरी हठात्् करिब तीन वर्षमा नै संसद् विघटन गरिदिँदा लगानीकर्ताको मनोबलमा पर्ने असरबारे नसोचेको भए पनि वर्तमान सरकारमाथि विदेशी लगानीकर्ताको विश्वास भने पहिले पनि नभएको अर्थशास्त्रीहरूको बुझाइ छ ।

अर्थशास्त्री रामेश्वर खनालका अनुसार विदेशी लगानीकर्ताले यसै पनि वर्तमान सरकारलाई त्यति विश्वास गरेका थिएनन् । “गएको चुनावदेखि नै राजनीतिक स्थिरता भए पनि विदेशी लगानीकर्ताहरू ओली सरकारसँग विश्वस्त हुन सकेका थिएनन्,” उनी भन्छन्, “त्यसैले आइतबारको घटनाबाट खासै थप प्रभाव नपर्ला ।”

खनालका अनुसार स्वदेशी लगानीकर्ताको हकमा भने यदि सरकारले तोकेकै समयमा चुनाव गरे बरु केही राहत हुनसक्छ । चुनावसँग सम्बन्धित खर्च हुँदा बरु रेष्टुरेन्ट, होटेल तथा निर्वाचनसँग सम्बन्धित साना व्यवासायलाई फाइदा हुनसक्छ भन्दै उनी थप्छन्, “चुनावका कारण निर्माण क्षेत्रमा सकारात्मक प्रभाव पर्न सक्छ, किनकी चुनाव जित्न पनि उम्मेदवारले आफ्ना पालिकाका प्रमुखहरूलाई काम गरेर देखाउन दबाब सिर्जना गर्नेछन् ।” यसबाट कोरोनाका कारण भएको निर्माण क्षेत्रको घाटा परिपूर्ति हुनसक्ने उनको विचार छ । 

नेपाली नागरिकको समृद्धिको चाहनामा कुठाराघात गर्दै प्रधानमन्त्री केपी शर्मा ओलीले आइतबार फेरि राजनीतिक अस्थिरताको सुरुवात गरेको भए पनि निजीक्षेत्रलाई यसबाट राहत हुनसक्ने आकलन पनि रहेको छ । 

“सरकार अब चुनावमा व्यस्त हुँदा निजी क्षेत्रलाई काम गर्न सहज हुन्छ,” खनाल भन्छन्, “अझ ओली सरकार निजीक्षेत्रलाई केही राहत दिएरै भए पनि चुनाव जित्नका लागि नीतिगतरूपमा खुकुलो व्यवहार गर्न सक्छ ।” 

तर, चुनाव सरकारले तोके झैं वैशाख १७ र २७ मा नै हुन्छ कि हुन्न, त्यसबाट पनि अर्थतन्त्र कता जान्छ वा लगानीकर्ताको मनोबाल झन् खस्कन्छ कि उठ्छ मेसो पाइने अर्का अर्थशास्त्री विश्व पौडेलको बुझाइ छ । 

पौडेलका अनुसार नीतिगत अस्थिरताले दीर्घकालीन लागानीमा असर पर्छ नै । नीतिगत अस्थिरताले न्यून लगानी भिœयाउने हुँदा सरकारले समयमा नै चुनाव गर्न सके केही राहत हुनसक्ने उनको आकलन छ । “यदि चुनावपछि बहुमतको सरकार बने, फेरि लगानीको वातावरण बन्ला, तर विगतका वर्षहरूमा झैँ मिलिजुली सरकार बनाउने वातावरण बन्यो भने फेरि उत्साहजनक वातावरण भने बन्दैन,” उनी थप्छन् । 

कोरोना कहरका कारण गत आर्थिक वर्षदेखि नै करिब करिब बन्द अवस्थामा रहेका उद्योग विस्तारै खुल्दै गर्दा हठात् राजनीतिक वातावरण परिवर्तन हुँदा निजी क्षेत्र भने किकर्तब्यबिमुढ भएको छ । बदलिँदो राजनीतिक अवस्थाले पार्नसक्ने प्रभावबारे धेरै उद्योगी व्यवसायीहरू बोल्नै चाहन्नन् । 

Water security a top priority in Covid-19 recovery : ADB Report

 Economies of Asia and the Pacific must put water security at the top of their agenda to recover from the fallout from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and adapt to climate change, according to a new flagship report released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Asian Water Development Outlook 2020 describes the status in the region of water security, which measures the availability of safe and affordable water supply, sanitation for all, improved livelihoods, and healthy ecosystems, with reduced water-related diseases and floods.

“The need for water security is even more urgent due to the Covid-19 pandemic because access to water, sanitation, and hygiene offers the primary line of defense against the spread of Covid-19 and other diseases,” ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said, adding that far too many people across Asia and the Pacific continue to suffer from limited access to these vital services. “The new AWDO edition serves as a tangible and reliable knowledge resource for ADB’s developing members as they address the multifaceted challenges of water security.

Despite achievements in Asia and the Pacific over the last few decades, 1.5 billion people living in rural areas and 600 million in urban areas still lack adequate water supply and sanitation. Of the 49 ADB regional members, 27 face serious water constraints on economic development, and 18 are yet to sufficiently protect their inhabitants against water-related disasters.

The report uses updated methodologies and in-depth analysis of water financing and governance developed in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The report also stresses that it is imperative that countries drastically increase their investment in water, sanitation, and other water-related infrastructure and services by convening all public, private, and innovative financing to achieve quality growth and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Financing is also needed to enable and sustain a virtuous system of good governance, which requires efficient water-related organisations with sufficient capacity and financial resources to enable them to provide coherent policies, monitor and evaluate progress, and take action when needed, all in interaction with the stakeholders in a transparent way.

Some of the key recommendations in the report include put water at the center of sustainable rural development by promoting water-effective irrigation agriculture, community-based water and sanitation services, and locally resilient disaster risk reduction such as the combination of community protection and farmland flood retention. This will enable a good economic circle of locally affordable investment, income generation, proper management and operation, and an enhanced level of welfare for the people.

Likewise it has also recommended to achieve urban water security by investing in water, sanitation, and disaster risk reduction infrastructure services not only in cities but also in slums and peripheral areas, while following a gender-based approach. It has also asked to provide a healthy environment by drastically reducing pollution, stimulating a circular economy, increasing land protection, and embracing nature-based approaches.

“Increase the resilience of water systems to avoid water-related disasters and to be prepared for climate and other global changes,” it recommended, adding to turn recent lessons of disasters into better practices of tomorrow by rebuilding better. “To improve the region’s water security, ADB has programmed more than $6 billion in financial and technical assistance between 2020 and 2022 to support safe water supply, sanitation, and wastewater measures; and more than $2 billion for flood risk management in the same time period, together with tailored knowledge services that promote innovation and forge partnerships.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members; 49 from the region.

WHO, EU join together to support Covid-19 response and systems strengthening in Asia

 This week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Union (EU) agreed to join forces to support eight South East Asian countries in their response to Covid-19 and to strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.

The EU is providing €20 million for a South East Asia pandemic response and preparedness programme, according to a press note issued by the WHO, which will use the funds to continue supporting the governments of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam.

“The European Union is one of WHO’s major partners, particularly in emergency response,” WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh said, adding that this partnership will go a long way in ensuring that the South-East Asian region builds back better during and after the Covid-19 pandemic and is stronger and more resilient in the years ahead.

In line with the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan and guided by the Asia Pacific strategy for emerging diseases and public health emergencies (APSED III), the programme aims to strengthen health systems and to support the Covid-19 response in the eight South East Asian countries, with a particular focus on reaching the unreached.

The funds will be used to mobilise all sectors and communities to ensure participation in prevention, preparedness and response activities; control sporadic cases, clusters and community transmission;

Suppress community transmission; and reduce deaths from Covid-19.

The programme represents a joint effort between the EU and WHO’s regional offices for South-East Asia – which includes Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand – and the Western Pacific, which includes Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. “To ensure that the interventions in each country will be in line with national priorities as outlined in the national response plans, each WHO region is working closely with the governments of those countries and other stakeholders, including civil society organisations,” it reads.

“These countries have spent more than a decade preparing for events with pandemic potential, by strengthening their health systems in anticipation of an event like the Covid-19 pandemic,” WHO’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Takeshi Kasai said, adding that this support from the EU will help to build on this work, so that countries across South East Asia are prepared for the next pandemic or health emergency event.

In addition, WHO will use the opportunity provided by the EU funding to engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which includes all eight countries in the programme, to enhance coordination among ASEAN member states and promote a regional approach for responding to Covid-19, where similar challenges are faced.

The contribution of the European Union (EU) is critical to WHO’s efforts to support countries in responding to the ongoing pandemic in South East Asia, and demonstrates its solidarity as well as its continued commitment to global health.

Government cancels odd-even rule for public transportation

 After transport entrepreneurs’ pressure to start vehicular traffic, the government today lifted the odd-even rule for the public transportation. The transportation entrepreneurs – including Nepal Transport Workers Association, Nepal Transport Workers Association-Independent and All Nepal Transport Workers Union – have challenged the government to disobey the odd and even rule for vehicular traffic from Friday.

Issuing notices, all the three district administration offices of Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, lalitpur and Bhaktapur – today officially announced to end the odd-even system from tomorrow. The decision of lifting odd-even has been made after seeing overcrowding on public transport as people have started moving around with the businesses and offices are also open, the Kathmandu District Office confirmed. “All vehicles can ply in the Valley from tomorrow following health protocols.”

However, the public transportation have not been following the health and safety protocols, though government has been strict on them.

The transport entrepreneurs have been protesting against the government move calling for the lifting of the restrictions as their incomes had been curtailed. The government had imposed nationwide lockdown on March 24 until July 21, forcing the public transport to remain parked in their garages. Transportation is one of the hard hit sector after the government imposed lock down and restriction on movement to contain the coronavirus in Nepal.

ADB launches $9 billion Covid-19 vaccine initiative

 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a $9 billion vaccine initiative – the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) – offering rapid and equitable support to its developing members as they procure and deliver effective and safe coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines.

“As ADB’s developing members prepare to vaccinate their people as soon as possible, they need financing to procure vaccines as well as appropriate plans and knowledge to be able to safely, equitably, and efficiently manage the vaccination process,” said ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa. “APVAX will play a critical role in helping our developing members meet these challenges, overcome the pandemic, and focus on economic recovery.”

More than 14.3 million positive cases have been identified in Asia and the Pacific, causing more than 200,000 deaths, according to a press note issued by the multilateral development partner. “As the pandemic persists, economic growth in developing Asia is projected to contract by 0.4 per cent in 2020 – the first regional gross domestic product (GDP) contraction since the early 1960s.

Promoting safe, equitable, and effective access to vaccines is a top priority for ADB’s Covid-19 response efforts. Vaccination programmes can break the chain of virus transmission, save lives, and mitigate the negative economic impacts of the pandemic by restoring confidence in people’s ability to work, travel, and socialise safely.

The APVAX provides a comprehensive framework and resource envelope for supporting developing Asia’s vaccine access, using two complementary components. The Rapid Response Component (RRC) will provide timely support for critical vaccine diagnostics, procurement of vaccines, and transporting vaccines from the place of purchase to ADB’s developing members.

The Project Investment Component will support investments in systems for successful distribution, delivery, and administration of vaccines along with associated investments in building capacity, community outreach, and surveillance. This may include such areas as cold-chain storage and transportation, vehicles, distribution infrastructure, processing facilities, and other physical investments. The component may also be used to develop or expand vaccine manufacturing capacity in developing members.

ADB financing for vaccines will be provided in close coordination with other development partners including the World Bank Group, World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX), GAVI, and bilateral and multilateral partners.

APVAX promotes safe and effective vaccines to be accessed in a fair manner, the press note reads, adding that for a vaccine to be eligible for financing, it must meet one of three criteria. “It must be procured via COVAX, prequalified by WHO, or authorised by a Stringent Regulatory Authority.”

Additional access criteria, such as a vaccination needs assessment, a vaccine allocation plan by the developing member, and a mechanism for effective coordination among development partners also help ensure that vaccine support under APVAX can be fairly and effectively implemented.

ADB is also making available a $500 million Vaccine Import Facility (VIF) to support the efforts of its developing members to secure safe and effective vaccines, as well as the goods that support distribution and inoculation. The facility is part of ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme. AAA-guarantees available through the programme’s vaccine import facility will mitigate payment risks and facilitate import of these goods. This will employ the same eligibility criteria on vaccines as COVAX. Cofinancing with private sector partners could result in the Import Facility supporting $1 billion in vaccine and related imports within a year.

In April, ADB approved a $20 billion package to support its developing members in addressing the impacts of the pandemic and streamlined some procedures to deliver quicker and more flexible assistance. ADB has committed $14.9 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance, including $9.9 billion in quick-disbursing budget support from the Covid-19 Pandemic Response Option (CPRO) and support for the private sector, it added.

In November, ADB announced $20.3 million in additional technical assistance to establish systems to enable efficient and equitable distribution of vaccines across Asia and the Pacific.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members, 49 from the region.

Annapurna Circuit featured in Lonely Planet’s top 10 must-see travel destinations

 The US-based world's top travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has included Annapurna Circuit among the top 10 most incredible travel experiences in the world.

In its latest ‘Ultimate Travel List’ it reports that the Covid-19 has resulted in travel restrictions around the world and has clipped the travellers’ wings through 2020. “But now is the perfect time to plan ahead so you’re ready for your next adventure when it’s safe to hit the road again.”

“We’ve all got a list of places that we want to see for ourselves: places friends have enthused about, places we’ve read about, dreamed about,” it reads, adding, “This is our list, and it’s the 500 most thrilling, memorable, downright interesting places on this planet ranked in order of their brilliance.”

According to the publisher of world-renowned guidebooks, the walk around Nepal’s Annapurna massif, which has long been considered one of the world’s great treks, is incredible. “For scenery and cultural diversity, this has long been considered the best trek in Nepal and one of the world’s classic walks.”

It follows the Marsyangdi Valley to the north of the main Himalayan range and crosses a 5,416m pass to descend into the dramatic desert-like, Tibetan-style scenery of the upper Kali Gandaki Valley, it further reads, adding that the scenery is mesmerising and the sense of journey is psychologically satisfying, starting in rice paddies and climbing through yak pastures before crossing the mighty snow-bound Thorung La pass. “It’s everything a good trek should be – challenging, majestic and inspirational.”

Census 2021 to include economic and social indicators

 With the slogan ‘My Census, My Participation, National Population Census 2021’, the 12th series of National Population Census – scheduled to be conducted for 15 days, from June 8 to 22 in 2021 – is going to include more economic and social indicators, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).

The census will collect more descriptive details as well as additional details than the previous census, it claimed, during a video conference jointly organised by CBS and Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON). The upcoming census will collect the detailed description of the households such as ownership, its uses and structure,” informed CBS director general Nebin Lal Shrestha. “The description related to land used for agricultural purpose and its area, number of animals and birds, number of households constructed with the grant provided by the government and number of people who have taken vocational training and skilled manpower, among others, will also be included,” he said, adding that access to financial facilities including account and loan in banks and financial institutions is an addition to the questionnaire this time. “Description of facilities used by households such as drinking water, toilet, cooking fuel, electricity, television, phone, and vehicles will also be collected during the census.”

Likewise, the census – conducted every 10 years – will collect the details of property in the name of women, small family businesses, absentees in family due to labour migration and details of their work, profession. “The census will also collect data about working status, institutional area, reasons for not working and job search.”

The data will also be collected at the ward level to verify the statistics collected from the household level, the CBS has planned as it has also prepared a questionnaire of 80 questions for 2021 census. It has projected that there are around seven million households and some 30 million population in the country at the moment.

CBS will be forming eight different coordination committees encompassing different tiers of government from the central to ward level and also technical and thematic committees to reach every populace and make 2021 census successful, Shrestha said, adding that the 2021 census will be the first to be conducted under federal Nepal. “Around 43,000 enumerators and 9,000 supervising staff will be mobilised to collect data.”

According to the CBS, earlier, teachers used to be taken as enumerators but this time people from local levels will be given opportunities to be enumerators. “They will be invited through open advertising,” Shrestha said, adding that the master trainers will be trained from mid-January and they will later train the enumerators. Though, it’s difficult to conduct the census during the coronavirus times, he said, the CBS has already conducted pilot census during the time of Covid19 crisis adopting health safety protocols. “The 2021 census also will be done in the same way.”

Joint Secretary at the National Planning Commission (NPC) Suman Aryal, on the occasion, highlighted the importance of transparency and stakeholder participation during census for the quality of the statistics that are collected.

Nepal’s Covid-19 death toll crosses 1,000

 The number of Nepalis dying of Covid-19 infection has crossed 1,000 today, 10 months after the detection of the first confirmed case of coronavirus.

According to the Health Ministry, as many as 20 new deaths were reported from across the country in the past 24 hours taking the total fatality to 1,004. Nepal recorded the first coronavirus positive case in January 13. According to the ministry, some 503 individuals from Bagmati Province, some 159 from Province 2, some 138 from Lumbini Province, some 119 from Province 1, some 55 from Gandaki Province, some 17 from Sudurpaschim Province, and some 13 from Karnali Province have died of Covid-19 so far.

“Some 3,114 fresh coronavirus cases as reported today taking the national tally to 179,614,” the ministry updated, adding that till date, some 1,480,978 tests through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method have been carried out, of which 11,166 PCR tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. “At present, there are 1,277 people under quarantine in various facilities across the country. The number of active cases in Nepal is 37,476.”

Some 3,114 new cases – with 1,867 males and 1,247 females – of the coronavirus infection were registered today taking the 179,614.

As many as 3,142 persons earlier diagnosed with the disease have tested negative in the last 24 hours. With the recent addition, the national Covid-19 recovery tally has now reached 141,134.

Meanwhile, 20 more fatalities were confirmed by the Ministry today, with which the Covid-19 death tally has now surpassed the 1000 mark.

As of today, the country has witnessed 179,614 cases of the coronavirus infection while 141,134 people have recovered from the disease. Meanwhile, 1,004 Covid-19 fatalities have been confirmed.

Over 1.2 million deaths from the disease have been reported worldwide while the global case tally is recorded over 47 million.