- Title: Coronavirus lockdown deals blow to Nepal's mountaineering industry
- Date: 28th May 2020
- Summary: KATHMANDU, NEPAL (MAY 28, 2020) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Nepali) CEO AND LOGISTICS COORDINATOR, I AM TREKKING AND EXPEDITIONS, PEMBA JANGBU SHERPA SAYING: "It will be easier if hotels and restaurants would be asked to run by maintaining social distancing. But people will have to look after their own safety as everybody is afraid of death. So, people will look after their own
- Embargoed: 11th June 2020 12:46
- Keywords: COVID-19 Mount Everest Nepal coronavirus economy industry lockdown mountainaneering outbreak sherpas tourism
- Location: KATHMANDU, MOUNT EVEREST, NEPAL
- City: KATHMANDU, MOUNT EVEREST, NEPAL
- Country: Nepal
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA002CFUF6FB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Mountaineering, regarded as the backbone of Himalayan nation Nepal's economy, has come to a grinding halt due to the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.
Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountains including the 8,850 metres (29,035 feet) high Mount Everest, suspended climbing and trekking activities in March during the peak summer season because of the pandemic, and its 30 million citizens have been under a lockdown for two months.
The lockdown has also dealt a body blow to some 200,000 Sherpas, an ethnic group living in the Everest region, who have always been at the centre of expeditions.
"Just when the groups were to come, the lockdown happened. So, it feels like someone just snatched away food from our mouth. This is huge loss for us," said Pemba Jangbu Sherpa, a local trekking guide.
Nepal trekking and expedition organisations say they are turning to the government to provide them with financial aid.
According to local health authorities, Nepal has had over 600 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with three deaths.
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