Health Experts say to be cautious of spread of coronavirus amid elections

Kathmandu, Apr.13: Public health experts have suggested that the election campaign should be cautious even though COVID-19 cases have slowed down, other strains like the Omicron XE variant of Coronavirus are emerging which can spread across borders.

According to Dr Rabindra Pandey, Public Health Expert, while looking at the history of the spread of coronavirus, it is observed that SARS-CoV-2 in all three phases has been spread from the neighbouring border, India, as there is a regular flow of people across Nepal and India borders said that even if the new variant is confirmed, it is more likely to move from one place to another sooner or later.

He said that as the election draws near, public gatherings, parties, and ceremonies are being held regularly in different places. Public health experts have suggested that attending large gatherings must be minimized saying that COVID-19 is still around.

 “One must follow all the public health standards of those who are participating in the local elections,” said Dr Pandey, saying that the risk of spread of coronavirus is not over yet.

The new variant, the Omicron XE variant of SARS-CoV-2, is being observed in India and other variants in countries. According to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi, the first case of the Omicron XE variant was found in a man in Mumbai on April 6. It is said that the Omicron XE variant seen in India can spread 10 times more than the Omicron variant, but, further studies are yet to be conducted about it.

Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, the coordinator of the clinical research unit in the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Hospital (STIDH), said, “In recent days, the use of masks has not been found in the outer districts except the capital. People are less likely to use masks and adhere to the health safety standard amid local elections as it can spread a virus in the country.”

Shaligram Sharma Poudel, Spokesperson to the Election Commission (EC) said that instructions have been given to ensure compliance with public health standards while conducting elections in all local level polling stations.

He said that Election Commission (EC) was preparing to deliver masks and sanitisers to the polling stations. He further informed the TRN Online that the commission has directed the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) to make vaccination compulsory for those participating in the election.

He said, “If the current situation prevails, then there is no need for vaccination, however, if the COVID-19 cases rise then it will be necessary to vaccinate. The decision will be done by looking at the situation.”