COVID-19 strikes Nepal again, leaves Mount Everest empty

Coronavirus has once again struck the beautiful country of Nepal. Tourism industry in the country is hurt like never-before, and Mount Everest is once again empty. A big part of the country’s economy is based on the tourism industry, it’s their lifeline. Being home to the world’s highest mountain, the tourism industry in Nepal has grown incredibly, attracting mountaineers from across the globe. But, given the COVID-19 outbreak, Mount Everest is among the worst hit attractions this year.

According to official data, tourism got more than $2 billion to Nepal in 2019, and generated employment for millions, from porters to pilots. A number of sherpas and guides are now out of work, desperate to make ends meet in such conditions.The Himalayan ranges are all empty and the trails leading to the Everest Base Camp look hauntingly solitary now. As per immigration officials, this season, less than 150 climbers arrived in the region which generally remains crowded by thousands of hikers, visitors and mountaineers.
Now, owing to another wave of virus, all the tourism in the country has stopped completely. Several Nepalis fear that if the situation continues, the country will be pushed back several years in terms of development and economy.

Nepal is one of those Asian countries whose economic condition is not considered good and there are limited resources to help people. The virus cases are rising rapidly, and as per reports, there are fewer intensive care institutes for a population of over 30 million.
On Thursday, the country reported 3051 fresh Coronavirus cases, taking the numbers to 185,974.