Despite low literacy rate, nearly all Nepalis are aware of the coronavirus pandemic, and seem to be able to accurately describe safety measures.
A survey carried out by Sharecast Initiative last week among nearly 1,500 people all over the country showed that 98% had heard of the disease.
When asked what measures they should take to protect themselves from being infected, they all knew about wearing a mask, washing hands with soap and keeping physical distance.
COVID-19 revives Nepal’s WASH drive, Sonia Awale
They also knew about the symptoms like coughing, sore throats and fever.
Asked where they got their information from, they mentioned radio, television and Facebook in that order.
Although 62% of the respondents said they thought the government was doing a good job to tackle the epidemic, two-thirds of them admitted they were afraid of the disease.
Nearly 60% of Nepalis said people in their locality were fully complying with the lockdown.
Read also:
Covid-19, Nepal and the hygiene hypothesis, Marty Logan
On to the third week of Nepal lockdown, Nepali Times
Coronavirus and the World Wide Web, Sonia Awale
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