A total of 146 Nepalis (individuals who listed Nepal as place of birth) have tested positive for COVID-19 in Victoria so far (7th August, 2020), as per a media release by the Consulate Office of Nepal to Victoria.
Of the 146, 42 have cleared isolation and recovered, whereas 104 are still active cases, as per the report.
The Consulate Office, and its Honorary Consul General Chandra Yonzon have shared grave concerns about the rapid escalation of cases – in Victoria, and within the Nepali community. They have urged the community and all Victorians to remain vigilant, and to practice caution.
Furthermore, Hon. Consul General Yonzon, talking to Nepalese Voice, also shared concerns about the prevalant stigmatisation of Covid-19 patients.
“While my main message is to request everyone to stay safe at home, and to wear masks when going outside, I am also concerned about the stigmatisation of those who have contracted Covid-19, and the detrimental effect it may have”, Hon. Consul General Yonzon shared.
“There are millions who have been affected by Covid-19, there is no shame in it, and one should not hide the disease. Similarly, those who stigmatise affected patients should refrain from such activities – we have to maintain physical distance, but we should extend moral support and remain socially connected”, Yonzon added.
The Press Release also requests those who have been affected, or have come in close contact with other infected people to get themselves tested. Furthermore, it asks everyone to follow government mandated public health protocols.
Australia, which had managed to successfully control much of the Covid-19 cases in its early months is facing a recent surge in number of cases – mostly attributed to several outbreaks in Victoria.
Metropolitan Melbourne has been placed in Stage 4 restrictions, and Regional Victoria has been placed in Stage 3 restrictions.
