At least one climber on the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest, has tested positive for COVID.
Just weeks after the peak reopened to climbers following a year of closure, one patient of the virus is found. Erlend Ness, a Norweigan climber, was isolated in hospital for eight nights due to the virus.
Reports say a person from the Tibetan, sherpa ethnic group in his party has also tested positive for the virus.
The outbreak is a setback to Nepal, as it depends heavily on the income made from Everest expeditions.
Though Mr Ness is unsure of the source of him catching the virus. But he raised the possibility of developing it whilst in one of the tea houses by the Kumbhu Valley.
He added that if he could do more to protect himself from the COVID virus. He could have been more diligent with washing his hands, taking the necessary measures. Moreover, he could also have worn his mask all day long, while around people or in the open.
Recalling, Mr Ness said, not many people were wearing the mask on the trek. He was feeling sick for over six days while in the mountain. After seeing his conditions, he was evacuated on the 15th of April by helicopter.
Then they took Mr Ness to two Nepali hospitals in the capital city of Kathmandu. It was in these hospitals he was tested positive for the virus three times.
He has since recovered by testing negative for the virus on the 22nd of April. Mr Ness is now staying in the city with his friends.
Tourism re-opens in Nepal
Hundreds of foreign climbers are expected to venture the mounting this spring season. The range reopened in April after it had to shut down because of the global pandemic.
Apart from more extended tourism wealth, Nepal earns £3.1 million ($4 million) by issuing Everest climbing grants every year. The numbers are according to the Kathmandu Post.
All travellers entering Nepal are required to present an unfavourable report of the COVID test. Moreover, the reports should be within 72 hours of their first flight. This has been made a mandate according to Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
Passengers from counties with the new COVID variant will be subject to an additional ten days hotel quarantine. If the test comes negative after five days, they will have to spend their remaining five days in-home quarantine.
