Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, first notified to the World Health Organization early in 2020. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. A few will develop a serious and potentially fatal illness. It seems that people with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cancer, and others, are more susceptible. Currently there is no known cure or effective immunization for the virus.
Some Symptoms of Coronavirus are:
1). High temperature – people feel feverish and flushed: hot to touch on forehead, chests or backs.
2). New, continuous cough – this means coughing, a lot, for more than an hour, or more coughing episodes within 24 hours.
3). Loss or change to the sense of smell or taste – this means people infected will notice that they cannot smell or taste, or things smell and taste differently.
Most people with Coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms but, be aware, some people can be carriers and have no symptoms (meaning that they are asymptomatic).
Ways of Reducing Infection
Wear a mask over nose and mouth when you are around people who are not in your social bubble. You may wish to wear a mask most of the time when you are away from your home. Wear a face covering if social distancing is not possible or if it may be compromised (for example, on aircraft & on public transport). Wash and clean hands regularly. Socially distance from people, wherever possible. On your trek stay with your group and way from other groups of trekkers. Likewise do not enter other people’s social groups. Where possible, meet outdoors while in Kathmandu. You should wear a mask at outdoor meetings. When you are indoors near other people, you must wear a mask over nose and mouth. Do not share drinks, food, or sunscreen. Isolate immediately if any symptom occurs. We have based our guidelines on advice from several associations. This advice may change, and we will update this page as soon as possible.
Below are some of the main advisories. Please stay updated and consult with doctor for updates and advice for your personal medical needs. Please check all the entry and exit requirements as these requirements are changing frequently.
Pre-Trip to Nepal
You will need to have a negative Covid-19 Test the week before travel. Please consider our staff including other team members prior to your trip to Nepal. Please social distance at home and wear face coverings when in public.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, or are in a household with someone displaying symptoms then you are advised to stay at home.
Make your own travel packs by stacking disinfectant wipes into resealable plastic bags. Ensure you have a good supply of face coverings and lots of hand sanitizer.
Find out in your town or region where to obtain a PCR nasal swab test for Covid-19 Coronavirus. This test (with an official paper printout showing your test result was “negative”) may be required for entry to Nepal, and the Nepal Government may have rules about obtaining one within a certain number of days before you fly.
We will inform you of the latest Nepali rules about this. So please do your homework now and find out in your town or region where to obtain a PCR nasal swab test for Covid-19 Coronavirus, and how long it takes. Will they provide you with an official paper printout to carry with you on the flight to Nepal showing your test result was “negative”.
Flying
Where possible, your airline will inform you on measures to minimize transmission of coronavirus. Also where possible, check in online to avoid face-to-face contact at the airport. You are strongly encouraged to check in baggage to the aircraft hold and minimize any hand baggage. This will speed up boarding and disembarking and minimize the risk of transmission.
Please make sure that any luggage which will be checked in does not contain any lithium batteries (in equipment such as laptops, or stand-alone batteries such as power banks), valuable or essential items (such as cash, credit cards, keys, medicines), or other prohibited items. Enter the airport on your own, unless you are flying with members of your household You should wear a face covering in the airport.
Follow instructions from airport and airline staff, which may include:
We recommend picking a window seat on the aircraft. Please maintain 6 feet from others while in the airport and check in. Manage your hygiene at security and baggage handling. Keep your distance from others while boarding the aircraft.
At Check-In
Where possible, avoid touching surfaces in the airport. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after using self-service check-in, luggage trolleys and other frequently touched surfaces. Depending on the airport you fly from and where you are flying to, you may need to have your temperature checked before flying.
Avoid walking around the airport and mixing with people that you do not normally meet.
In shops at the airport, follow social distancing measures and, where possible, pay by contactless card.
On Board the Aircraft
Your airline will advise you on measures in place for your flight. Wear a mask and do not touch your face. You can remove your face covering to: Communicate with someone who relies on lip reading Avoid harm or injury Take medication Eat or drink, if reasonably necessary.
Firstly, during the flight, you should remain seated as much as possible. Secondly, follow instructions and guidance from crew. Finally, use contactless payment where possible. Be aware there is likely to be a reduced food and drink service. Make the cabin crew aware if you become ill.
On Arrival in Nepal
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, medical staff will check to see if you have a fever, if your temperature is high then you will have to self-isolate or be admitted to the hospital.
Once you have cleared this medical check, use hand sanitizer regularly after picking up your baggage. Only allow our staff to help you after you exit the airport. Use hand sanitizer before entering our vehicle. On arrival at our hotel your temperature will be checked. When entering any building, before starting an activity and as often as possible throughout the activity Social distance as much as possible and wear a mask. It is your responsibility to comply with Covid-19 precautions
Cleaning and Hand Washing
The guides, leaders and Sherpa’s will ensure that all group equipment is sanitized regularly. Our guides will be washing their hands and/or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer before meeting groups, and at any other time they feel it is appropriate during and after the trip. Our staff will carry extra hand sanitizer, but we strongly recommend you bring your own.
Face Coverings and Social Distancing
We are encouraging our guides to maintain social distance between themselves and team members whenever possible. There will be times that, due to the nature of the activities, your guide will need to be within the recommended distancing. On such occasions, we require our members and guides to have a face covering and to use the mask to cover your nose and mouth.
Healthcare in Nepal
If you need medical attention and/or if you think you have any symptoms of COVID such as a fever or persistent cough please avoid contact with others if possible and go to a medical facility. Please let your guide know what is happening.
Public Spaces and Services
Shops are beginning to open, though many will only serve customers wearing some form of face masks. Shop openings may vary by location. People are required to maintain social distancing and wear masks in public, and there is a ban on large gatherings.
Hotel in Kathmandu
All members will stay with another member of the same expedition so that we can form a bubble which includes Ian Taylor Trekking Leaders, Staff and Members. If you prefer a private room at extra cost please inform us and we will arrange it for you. Remember to wear a mask, wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and social distance from other groups.
Kathmandu Restaurants and Bars
The number of tables in restaurants and bars will be reduced. Wear a mask except when eating and drinking. Use hand sanitizer or wash hands regularly. Ideally sit outside. Remember to socially distance Bus/car/taxi/aircraft in Nepal. Always wear a mask, Social distance as much as possible and wash hand sanitizer often. Please, always stay with Ian Taylor Trekking members and staff.
On the Expedition
Our staff will be working hard throughout the expedition. They will make sure surfaces are sanitized and overall a very high level of hygiene is achieved. When crossing paths with other groups, maintain social distancing if possible. If not possible then wear face coverings If first aid is needed, then social distancing is not possible so PPE must be worn (Face coverings and gloves)
Where possible clients should use own equipment that is fully sanitized. Rental gear must be fully sanitized. We will assist you with sanitizing your own gear and we will thoroughly sanitize group gear.
It is important that our leaders, Sherpa’s, office team, our climbing/trekking members ensure we all remain aware of the necessary actions to reduce infection. However, we must all realize that, by leaving home and travelling to undertake activities with people we have not met before, the risk of infection is greater than it would be if we stayed at home and did not take part in travel, trekking, and mountaineering activities.
Everyone involved has a responsibility in assessing COVID-19 risk BEFORE, DURING and AFTER your journey to the mountains. If you feel that anyone’s safety has been or is being unduly compromised whilst taking part in trips, please let us know.
The above are guidelines and we recommend that you follow these to the best of your ability. Please note that unfortunately we cannot prevent the spread of Covid-19 fully, however by following these rules we aim to minimize the risk as much as possible.
Happy to Chat
If you would like to chat with us about your upcoming trip CONTACT US today. We look forward to greeting you in Nepal.