COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia

2021-06-14T18:56:37Z

203.171.244.13: /* India */

{{short description|Epidemiology of COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Asia}}
{{Update|date=May 2021}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox pandemic
| name = COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia
| image = South Asia (excluding internal borders) (orthographic projection).svg
| caption = South Asia
| disease = [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]]
| virus_strain = [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]]
| location = [[South Asia]]
| first_case = [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]]
| arrival_date = 5 January 2020
| origin = [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], [[China]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheikh |first1=Knvul |last2=Rabin |first2=Roni Caryn |title=The Coronavirus: What Scientists Have Learned So Far |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=10 March 2020|access-date=24 March 2020}}</ref>
| confirmed_cases = 8,395,617<br/>{{small|(17 February 2021)}}
| active_cases = 1,176,416<br/>{{small|(17 February 2021)}}
| recovery_cases = 7,347,826<br/>{{small|(17 February 2021)}}
| deaths = 128,625<br/>{{small|(17 February 2021)}}
| territories = {{hlist
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan|Afghanistan]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh|Bangladesh]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan|Bhutan]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|India]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives|Maldives]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|Nepal]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan|Pakistan]]
| [[COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka]]
}}
| website = {{official|url=http://covid19-sdmc.org/covid-19|name=SAARC Disaster Management Centre}}
}}

Countries and territories in [[South Asia]] have been affected by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The first South Asian country to report a confirmed case was Nepal, which documented its first case on 23 January 2020, in a man who had returned from [[Wuhan]] on 9 January.<ref name=":1" /> As of 2 July, at least one case of COVID-19 has been reported in every country in South Asia. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Maldives have implemented lockdowns, Sri Lanka has responded with quarantine curfews while India and Nepal have declared a country-wide lockdown. Countries have also instituted various levels of restrictions on international travel, some countries have completely sealed off their land borders and grounded most international flights.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were three South Asian countries that overtook [[COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China|China]] in terms of the number of coronavirus cases. In the middle of May, India was the first South Asian country to overtake China in terms of the number of coronavirus cases. On 4 June, Pakistan was the second South Asian country. And on 13 June, Bangladesh was the third South Asian country.
In India, the number of recoveries exceeded the number of active cases on 10 June. In Pakistan, the number of recoveries exceeded the number of active cases on 3 July. And in Bangladesh, the number of recoveries exceeded the number of active cases on 12 July.

Governments are attempting to coordinate a response to the pandemic through the regional organization, [[SAARC]], the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation. India Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] proposed a joint emergency fund to tackle the pandemic, and pledged to seed US$10 Million. As of 11 April, Sri Lanka had contributed US$5 million to the [[SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund]] and Pakistan $3 million, Bangladesh $1.5 million, Afghanistan and Nepal had given $1 million each, Maldives had given $200,000 while Bhutan $100,000.

==Background==
The ongoing [[pandemic]] of [[coronavirus disease 2019]] (COVID-19) is caused by  [[SARS-CoV-2|severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2]] (SARS-CoV-2).<ref>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus disease 2019 |url=https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 |publisher=[[World Health Organization]] |access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> The outbreak was first identified in [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei, China]], in December 2019 and recognised as a pandemic by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) on 11 March 2020.<ref name="WHOpandemic2">{{cite web|url=https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11-march-2020|title=WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 11 March 2020|date=11 March 2020|publisher=[[World Health Organization]]|access-date=11 March 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2020|3|29}}, more than 708,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 190 countries and territories, resulting in approximately 33,500 deaths.<ref name="WOM" /> More than 150,000 people have since recovered.<ref name="WOM" >{{cite web |url= https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/|title=Coronavirus Update (Live) |work=Worldometer |date=2020 |access-date=16 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="JHU CSSE2">{{cite web|url=https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6|title=Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases|publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University]]|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref>

The virus primarily [[Transmission (medicine)|spreads]] between people in a way similar to [[influenza]], via [[respiratory droplets]] from coughing or sneezing.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |url= https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/getting-workplace-ready-for-covid-19.pdf |title=Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 |date=27 February 2020 |work=World Health Organization }}</ref><ref name="WHO2020QA">{{cite web |url= https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses |title=Q&A on coronaviruses |publisher=[[World Health Organization]] |work=WHO.int |date=11 February 2020 |access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="CDC2020Over222">{{cite web |url= https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html |title=Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) |date=10 February 2020 |work=CDC.gov |publisher=US [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] |access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref>
The time between [[Incubation period|exposure and symptom onset]] is typically five days, but may range from two to fourteen days.<ref name="CDC2020Over222" /><ref name=":4">{{cite journal |last1=Rothan |first=H. A. |last2=Byrareddy |first2=S. N. |title=The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak |journal=Journal of Autoimmunity |page=102433 |date=February 2020 |volume=109 |pmid=32113704 |doi=10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102433 |pmc=7127067 |url= }}</ref> Symptoms are most often fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.<ref name="CDC2020Over222" /><ref name=":4" /> Complications may include [[pneumonia]] and [[acute respiratory distress syndrome]]. There is no [[vaccine]] or specific [[antiviral treatment]], but research is ongoing. Efforts are aimed at managing symptoms and [[supportive therapy]]. Recommended preventive measures include [[handwashing]], covering the mouth when coughing, [[Social distancing|maintaining distance from other people]] (particularly those who are unwell), and monitoring and [[self-isolation]] for fourteen days for people who suspect they are infected.<ref name="WHO2020QA" /><ref name="CDC2020Over222" /><ref name=CDC2020SocialSpacing>{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) |url= https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html |work=CDC.gov |publisher=US [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] |access-date=9 March 2020 |date=11 February 2020}}</ref>

South Asia is one of the most densely populated regions and having low testing rates, and is considered highly vulnerable to any large scale outbreak of an infectious disease.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/24/south-asia-looming-disaster-coronavirus-india-pakistan-lockdown-public-health-crisis/|title=South Asia's Looming Disaster|last=Agrawal|first=Ravi|website=Foreign Policy|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref>

==Statistics==
{{Update section|date=April 2021}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" id="thetable" style="text-align:right; font-size:85%; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+
|-
! Territories
!Date
! Confirmed cases
! Active cases
! Recoveries
! Deaths
! Total tests
! Tests per million population
!Ref.
|-
! {{IND}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 8,958,48
| 443,303
| 8,383,602
| 131,578
| style="background:#ff9;" | 129,591,786
| style="background:#ff9;" | 95,806
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi|url=https://www.icmr.gov.in/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=www.icmr.gov.in}}</ref>
|-
! {{BGD}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 420,238
| 76,026
| 338,145
| 6,067
| style="background:#ff9;" | 2,606,952
| style="background:#ff9;" | 16,154
| <ref>{{Cite web|last=corona.gov.bd|first=a2i {{!}}|title=করোনা ভাইরাস ইনফো ২০১৯ {{!}}Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information Bangladesh {{!}} corona.gov.bd|url=https://corona.gov.bd/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=corona.gov.bd|language=en}}</ref>
|-
! {{PAK}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 368,665
| 33,562
| 327,542
| 7,561
| style="background:#ff9;" | 5,098,291
| style="background:#ff9;" | 24,022
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Health Advisory Platform by Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination|url=http://covid.gov.pk/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=covid.gov.pk}}</ref>
|-
! {{NEP}}
! {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|date}}
| {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|confirmed_cases}}
| {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|active_cases}}
| {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|recoveries}}
| {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|deaths}}
| style="background:#ff9;" | {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|tests}}
| style="background:#ff9;" | {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|tests_1M}}
| <ref name="COVID-19 Dashboard">{{cite web|url=https://covid19.mohp.gov.np|title=COVID-19 Dashboard|publisher=Ministry of Health and Population (Nepal)|language=en|access-date={{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|date}}}}</ref>
|-
! {{AFG}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 44,133
| 7,144
| 35,339
| 1,650
| style="background:#ff9;" | 133,691
| style="background:#ff9;" | 3,404
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=MOPH-COVID-19 Dashboard|url=http://covid.moph-dw.org/#/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=covid.moph-dw.org}}</ref>
|-
! {{flag|Maldives}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 12,384
| 927
| 11,405
| 45
| style="background:#ff9;" | 150,743
| style="background:#ff9;" | 277,260
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Health Protection Agency (Maldives)|url=https://covid19.health.gov.mv/en/?c=0|website=Ministry of Health|language=en}}</ref>
|-
! {{LKA}}
!13 May 2021
| 135,796
| 28,371
| 108,802
| 892
| style="background:#ff9;" | 3,017,567
| style="background:#ff9;" | 138,401
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sri Lanka - Analytics Dashboard|url=https://covid.iq.lk/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sri Lanka - Analytics Dashboard|language=en}}</ref>
|-
! {{BHU}}
!19 Nov 2020
| 378
| 21
| 357
| 1
| style="background:#ff9;" | 173,785
| style="background:#ff9;" | 224,401
| <ref>{{Cite web|title=Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan|url=https://www.gov.bt/covid19/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=Ministry of Health|language=en}}</ref>
|}

==By country==
===Afghanistan===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan}}

[[File:Afghanistan 2020 COVID-19 Map (Allio-19).png|alt=|right|thumb|Map of the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Afghanistan '''as of 17 April 2020'''.
{{legend|#FFFFFF|Confirmed cases 0}}
{{legend|#FCEED3|Confirmed cases 1–9}}
{{legend|#F2A88D|Confirmed cases 10–19}}
{{legend|#E5354B|Confirmed cases 20-99}}
{{legend|#630606|Confirmed cases ≥100}}]]
On 24 February, Afghanistan confirmed its first COVID-19 case, in a 35-year-old man from [[Herat]] province.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-afghanistan/afghanistan-identifies-first-confirmed-coronavirus-patient-health-minister-idUSKCN20I0M0?il=0|title=Afghanistan confirms first coronavirus case in province bordering Iran|date=24 February 2020|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> On 7 March, three new cases were confirmed in Herat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-healthcare-coronavirus-afghanistan-idUSKBN20U085|title=Afghanistan's confirmed coronavirus cases rises to four - health ministry spokesman|date=7 March 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=9 March 2020|language=en}}</ref> On 10 March, the first case outside of Herat province, was reported in [[Samangan Province|Samangan province]], bringing the total to five.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/5-positive-coronavirus-cases-reported-afghanistan|title=5 Positive Coronavirus Cases Reported in Afghanistan|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref> By 22 March, the day Afghanistan confirmed its first official death, the total number of cases had risen to 40.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/health/first-coronavirus-death-confirmed-afghanistan|title=First Coronavirus Death Confirmed in Afghanistan|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/covid-19-north-macedonia-romania-set-curfews-serbia-extends-nighttime-restrictions/30502069.html|title=COVID-19: First Deaths In Afghanistan, Kosovo, Romania, North Macedonia|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en|access-date=2020-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/health/6-new-covid-19-cases-40-total-afghanistan|title=6 New COVID-19 Cases, 40 Total in Afghanistan|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-22}}</ref> As of 29 March, a total of 120 cases had been confirmed, resulting in four deaths and three recoveries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/health/doctors-ask-residents-stay-home-amid-kabul-lockdown|title=Doctors Ask Residents to Stay at Home amid Kabul Lockdown|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/health/coronavirus-cases-reach-110-afghanistan|title=Coronavirus Cases Reach 110 in Afghanistan|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan/health-minister-calls-afghans-take-coronavirus-seriously|title=Health Minister Calls on Afghans to Take Coronavirus Seriously|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-28}}</ref>

Afghanistan temporarily closed its border with Iran on 23 February when first suspected cases emerged in Herat province bordering Iran.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200223-iran-neighbours-close-their-borders-as-coronavirus-toll-rises|title=Iran neighbours close their borders as coronavirus toll rises|date=2020-02-23|website=France 24|language=en|access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref> In March,
it restricted most international flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/business/afghan-airlines-intl-flights-90-halted-acaa|title=Afghan Airlines Intl Flights 90% Halted: ACAA|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref> By the end of March, strict restrictions on the movement of people and public gatherings were in place in several provinces;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/afghan-authorities-close-eastern-city-of-jala-873131.html|title=Afghan Authorities Close Eastern City Of Jalalabad Due To Coronavirus Fears - Spokesman|website=UrduPoint|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-890tkPGjJE |title=Afghanistan: Vendors in Jalalabad more afraid of poverty than coronavirus amid city lockdown |publisher=YouTube |date=2020-03-25 |access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tolonews.com/index.php/health/covid-19-govt-limits-residents-movement-herat|title=COVID-19: Govt Limits Residents' Movement in Herat|website=TOLOnews|language=en|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-herat-emerges-afghanistan-epicentre-200325032420910.html|title=Coronavirus: Herat emerges as Afghanistan's epicentre|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-locks-down-gateway-city-of-coronavirus-outbreak/30509289.html|title=Afghanistan Locks Down 'Gateway' City Of Coronavirus Outbreak|website=RFE/RL|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> lockdowns had also been implemented, including in [[Kabul Province|Kabul]] and [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/to-stop-coronavirus-spread-afghanistan-to-release-thousands-of-inmates/30511258.html|title=In Bid To Stop Coronavirus Spread, Afghanistan To Release Thousands of Inmates|website=RFE/RL|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref>

===Bangladesh===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh}}
The first three COVID-19 cases of the country were found on 07 March 2020 that was officially confirmed on 08 March 2020<ref>{{cite news |last1=Latifee |first1=Enamul Hafiz |title=Fighting the COVID-19 in BD: Public health perspective - Op-Ed - observerbd.com |url=https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=252248 |access-date=13 May 2021 |work=The Daily Observer |publisher=The Observer Ltd. |date=3 April 2020}}</ref> by Professor Dr. Meerjady Sabrina Flora, Former Director, [[Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research|Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-bangladesh-idUSKBN20V0FS|title=Bangladesh confirms its first three cases of coronavirus|date=2020-03-08|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-03-27|language=en}}</ref> As of 29 March 2020, the [[Government of Bangladesh]] has confirmed testing 1095 samples among which there is a total of 48 confirmed cases, 15 recoveries, and 5 deaths in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corona.gov.bd/|title=করোনা ইনফো|last=Research (IEDCR)|first=Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and|website=corona.gov.bd|language=en|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref>, were confirmed to have spread to [[Bangladesh]] in March 2020.

On 22 March, Bangladesh declared a 10-day shut down effective from March 26 to 4 April .<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2020/03/23/govt-offices-to-remain-closed-till-april-4|title=Coronavirus: Bangladesh declares public holiday from March 26 to April 4|date=2020-03-23|website=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=2020-03-27}}</ref>

=== Bhutan ===
{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan}}
On 6 March, Bhutan confirmed its first COVID-19 case, a 76-year-old US male who travelled to the country via India. Around 90 people who came directly in contact with him, along with his 59-year-old partner, driver, and guide were quarantined.<ref name="BhutanFirst">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/bhutan-confirms-first-coronavirus-case/articleshow/74506428.cms|title=Bhutan confirms first coronavirus case|date=6 March 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> Bhutan immediately restricted entry of foreign tourists for two weeks.<ref name="BhutanFirst" /> On 20 March, the 59-year old partner of the American tourist tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wangchuk |first=Kinga |date=22 March 2020 |title=Bhutan Confrms Second COVID-19 Case |work=[[The Journalist (Bhutan)|The Journalist]] |location= Thimphu}}</ref> Although the driver and guide tested negative, both were held in extended quarantine even though their quarantine period had ended.<ref>{{cite news| title = Bhutan detects 2nd confirmed COVID-19 case| url = http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=129933| publisher = Bhutan Broadcasting Service | publication-date = 20 March 2020| date= 20 March 2020| access-date =20 March 2020}}</ref>

On 22 March, [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], the king of Bhutan, announced in a national address that the country's land borders would be sealed off.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-D3w59BjPB/|title=Instagram post by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema • Mar 23, 2020 at 3:10am UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref> On 24 March, the government closed all its borders with India.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nenow.in/neighbour/bhutan/bhutan-government-closes-all-international-borders-with-india.html | title=Coronavirus: Bhutan government closes all international borders with India}}</ref> On 25 March, a student who had returned from the United Kingdom was found to be positive for COVID-19, the third case in the country.<ref>{{cite news |author=Youten Tshedup |date=27 March 2020 |title= First Bhutanese to test positive for Covid-19 |url=https://kuenselonline.com/first-bhutanese-to-test-positive-for-covid-19/ |work=[[Kuensel]] |location= Thimphu|access-date=27 March 2020 }}</ref> On 29 March, According to the [[Ministry of Health (Bhutan)|Ministry of Health]], a returning student in the quarantine facility tested positive. The patient was moved to the isolation ward in Thimphu.<ref>{{cite tweet |user= MoHBhutan |number=1244101376004837376 |date=29 March 2020 |title=Update: 4th case.|quote= 1 student from the facility quarantine tested Positive and is now shifted to the Isolation ward, Thimphu. instagram.com/p/B-TVqm-A9fy/ |access-date=29 March 2020 }}</ref>

===India===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in India}}
[[File:India COVID-19 confirmed cases map.svg|alt=|right|thumb|Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in India as of 2 May 2021]
India has more than 5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world which is [[COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|largest in Asia]] and second largest in the world after [[COVID-19 pandemic in United States|United States]] with more than 82 thousand deaths and around 4 million patients recovered.

Country reported its first infection on 30 January 2020 while eventual moderate rise of infections took place due to students from Wuhan and tourist groups from Italy.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reid|first1=David|date=30 January 2020|title=India confirms its first coronavirus case|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/30/india-confirms-first-case-of-the-coronavirus.html|publisher=CNBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Perappadan|first1=Bindu Shajan|date=4 March 2020|title=COVID-19 {{!}} 6 members of Delhi patient's family test positive for coronavirus|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/covid-19-6-members-of-delhi-patients-family-test-positive-for-coronavirus/article30980724.ece|access-date=16 September 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In March, the transmissions grew after several people with travel history to affected countries, and their contacts, tested positive. On 12 March, a 76-year-old man, with a travel history to Saudi Arabia, became the first COVID-19 fatality of India.<ref name="death1">{{cite web |title=India's first coronavirus death is confirmed in Karnataka |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-s-first-coronavirus-death-in-karnataka-confirmed/story-2ZJ6IuxJ38EiGndBq5pfHO.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=12 March 2020|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> A [[2020 Tablighi Jamaat coronavirus hotspot in Delhi|gathering]] by [[Tablighi Jamaat]] emerged as a super spreader event adding more than 4,000 cases directly.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Neetu Chandra|date=18 April 2020|title=30% covid-19 cases in India linked to Tablighi Jamaat event: Govt|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/30-covid-19-cases-in-india-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-event-govt-11587218560611.html|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Livemint}}</ref> On 22 March, the [[Government of India]] announced complete lockdown in 82 districts in 22 states and Union Territories of country where confirmed cases were reported.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/82-districts-under-lockdown-over-covid-19-what-s-open-and-what-is-shut/story-c1AEMZXuuXN6FvmrAdRvsJ.html|title=82 districts under lockdown over Covid-19: What is shut and where|date=23 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> 80 cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marpakwar |first1=Prafulla |title=Poor public response pushed govt to declare lockdown in Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/poor-public-response-pushed-govt-to-declare-lockdown-in-mumbai/articleshow/74766049.cms |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> Chandigarh<ref>{{cite news |title=Chandigarh orders lock down till March 31 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chandigarh-orders-lock-down-till-march-31/article31135191.ece |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> and Kolkata were put under lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gunasekar |first1=Arvind |last2=Bhattacharji |first2=Chetan |title=Coronavirus: 80 Cities Across India Go Into Lockdown Till March 31. What It Means |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-covid-19-80-cities-across-india-go-into-lockdown-till-march-31-what-it-means-2198894 |access-date=16 September 2020 |publisher=NDTV}}</ref> Some states sealed their borders barring inter-state movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-outbreak-lockdown-in-delhi-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-telangana-andhra-nagaland-full-details-1658523-2020-03-22|title=Coronavirus outbreak: States impose lockdown in battle against Covid-19 {{!}} All you need to know|website=India Today|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> On 24 March, PM Narendra Modi announced a complete 21-day national lockdown to contain the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/health/narendra-modi-on-coronavirus-speech-live-updates-streaming-watch-india-pm-address-to-nation-on-covid-19-today-latest-news-lockdown-janata-curfew-8182241.html|title=Narendra Modi on Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: India under complete shutdown for 21 days starting 12 pm tonight, says PM|work=Firstpost}}</ref> By 6 April, the doubling rate had slowed to six days from earlier figure of three days.<ref name="The Print slowed">{{cite web|title=R0 data shows India's coronavirus infection rate has slowed, gives lockdown a thumbs up|url=https://theprint.in/science/r0-data-shows-indias-coronavirus-infection-rate-has-slowed-gives-lockdown-a-thumbs-up/399734/|last1=Ramesh|first1=Sandhya|date=14 April 2020|website=ThePrint|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref>

Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) noted the government's swift and stringent actions, emergency policy-making, emergency investment in health care, fiscal stimulus, and investment in vaccine and drug [[Research and development|R&D]] and gave India a score of 100 for the strict response. [[Michael J. Ryan (doctor)|Michael Ryan]], chief executive director of the WHO's health emergencies programme noted that India had tremendous capacity to deal with the outbreak owing to its vast experience in eradicating [[smallpox]] and [[polio]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19: WHO calls India's lockdown 'comprehensive and robust', UN expresses solidarity|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/mar/25/covid-19-who-calls-indias-lockdown-comprehensive-and-robust-un-expresses-solidarity-2121361.html|access-date=16 September 2020|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=11 April 2020|title=India Corona news: India beats other nations in Covid response: Study|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-beats-other-nations-in-covid-response-study/articleshow/75089755.cms|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=10 April 2020|title=India scores high on Covid-19 response tracker made by Oxford University|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-scores-high-on-covid-19-response-tracker-made-by-oxford-university-1665573-2020-04-10|work=India Today}}</ref> In June, India was ranked 56th of 200 countries in COVID-19 safety assessment report by Deep Knowledge Group.<ref>{{cite report |title=COVID-19 Regional Safety Assessment |url=http://analytics.dkv.global/covid-regional-assessment-200-regions/full-report.pdf|publisher=Deep Knowledge Group|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref>

India initially suffered from a low testing rate, however has substantially increased it.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dey|first=Sushmi|title=Testing up 10-fold but positivity rate seen stable at 8%|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/testing-up-10-fold-but-positivity-rate-seen-stable-at-8/articleshow/77603149.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=2020-08-18|access-date=2020-09-16}}</ref> Country also has launched a [[COVID-19 pandemic in India#Testing and countermeasures|number of research projects]] for treatment of disease and development of anti COVID vaccines. Demand amid pandemic has also turned India into world's second largest manufacturer of PPE after China.<ref>{{Cite news|title=India becomes world's second largest manufacturer of PPE body coveralls: Centre|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/india-becomes-worlds-second-largest-manufacturer-of-ppe-body-coveralls-centre/articleshow/75871010.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=21 May 2020|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref>

===Maldives===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives}}
The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] was confirmed to have spread to the [[Maldives]] on 7 March 2020 from an Italian tourist who had returned to Italy after spending holidays in Kuredu Resort & Spa.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives confirms first two coronavirus cases; two resort islands locked down |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/maldives-confirms-first-two-coronavirus-cases-two-resort-islands-locked-down/articleshow/74535526.cms |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=11 March 2020 |date=8 March 2020}}</ref> The Health Protection Agency of the Maldives confirmed two cases in the Maldives, both employees of the resort. Following this, the hotel was locked down with several tourists stranded on the island.<ref>{{cite news |last1=CNN |first1=Tamara Hardingham-Gill |title=Tourists being kept under coronavirus quarantine at luxury Maldives resort |url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/coronavirus-quarantine-luxury-maldives-resort/index.html |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=CNN |language=en}}</ref> As of 11 March, the islands resorts of Kuredu, [[Vilamendhoo]], Batalaa and [[Kuramathi]] island have also been placed under temporary quarantine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Four Maldives resorts placed in lockdown |url=https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/coronavirus-four-maldives-resorts-placed-in-lockdown-21673 |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=TTG |language=En}}</ref>

The Maldives declared a public health emergency over COVID-19 on 12 March.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives declares public health emergency over COVID-19 |url=https://edition.mv/news/15463 |access-date=19 March 2020 |work=TTG |language=En}}</ref> On 27 March, the government announced the first confirmed case of a Maldivian citizen with COVID-19, a passenger who had returned from the United Kingdom. This brought the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 16; the other 15 were foreign citizens.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maldives reports first domestic case of coronavirus, total tally rises to 16 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2020/mar/28/maldives-reports-first-domestic-case-of-coronavirus-total-tally-rises-to-16-2122676.html |access-date=30 March 2020 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

===Nepal===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal}}

A Nepali student who had returned to Kathmandu from Wuhan became the first case of the country and South Asia on 23 January 2020.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=Shrestha|first1=Ranish|last2=Shrestha|first2=Sunil|last3=Khanal|first3=Pratik|last4=Kc|first4=Bhuvan|date=18 May 2020|title=Nepal's first case of COVID-19 and public health response|journal=Journal of Travel Medicine|language=en|volume=27|issue=3|pages=taaa024|doi=10.1093/jtm/taaa024|issn=1195-1982|pmc=7107523|pmid=32104884|quote=One confirmed case in Nepal was a native student, studying in Wuhan, with symptom onset on 3 January 2020. The infected 32-year-old male had returned on 9 January to spend winter holidays in Nepal. [...] On 23 January 2020, the test results came back confirming COVID-19, although the man had been discharged.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nepal Reports South Asia's First Confirmed Case Of Deadly Coronavirus|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nepal-reports-south-asias-first-confirmed-case-of-deadly-coronavirus-2169362|website=NDTV.com|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=24 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124191328/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/nepal-reports-south-asias-first-confirmed-case-of-deadly-coronavirus-2169362|url-status=live}}</ref> The first case of local transmission inside the country was confirmed on 4 April, while the first COVID-19 death came on 14 May.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nepal reports its first Covid-19 death|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2020/05/16/no-evidence-yet-that-covid-19-patient-s-death-on-thursday-was-due-to-the-disease|access-date=5 July 2020|website=kathmandupost.com|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706155321/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2020/05/16/no-evidence-yet-that-covid-19-patient-s-death-on-thursday-was-due-to-the-disease|url-status=live}}</ref> The country observed an almost four-month-long nationwide [[lockdown]] between 24 March and 21 July.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pradhan|first=Tika R|date=21 July 2020|title=Government decides to lift the four-month-long coronavirus lockdown, but with conditions|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2020/07/21/government-decides-to-lift-the-four-month-long-coronavirus-lockdown-but-with-conditions|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722121600/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2020/07/21/government-decides-to-lift-the-four-month-long-coronavirus-lockdown-but-with-conditions|archive-date=22 July 2020|access-date=22 July 2020|website=kathmandupost.com|language=en|quote=The government has announced an end of the nationwide lockdown that it had imposed starting March 24 to contain the spread of Covid-19. Minister for Finance and Communication Yubaraj Khatiwada, who is also the government spokesperson, told a press briefing that Monday's Cabinet meeting had decided to lift the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight [21 July] with a few restrictions such as a ban on large gatherings still in place.}}</ref> As of {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|date}}, the country has a total of {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|confirmed_cases}} confirmed cases, {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|recoveries}} recoveries, and {{COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal|deaths}} deaths.<ref name="COVID-19 Dashboard"/>

===Sri Lanka===
[[File:Sri Lanka COVID-19 map of confirmed cases.svg|thumb|Confirmed cases per districts<ref>{{Cite web|title=Corona Virus 2020|url=http://www.epid.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=225&Itemid=518&lang=en|access-date=2020-11-12|website=www.epid.gov.lk}}</ref>]]
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka}}

As of 13 May 2021 135,796 confirmed cases have been reported in the country with 892 deaths. A ban on foreign arrivals has been instituted postponed .<ref>{{cite web|last=Mar 29|first=PTI {{!}} Updated|last2=2020|last3=Ist|first3=14:08|title=Sri Lanka records first death due to coronavirus - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/sri-lanka-records-first-death-due-to-coronavirus/articleshow/74872037.cms|access-date=2020-03-30|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

As of 8 May 2021, Sri Lankan authorities have tested near 3,017,567 people and had ordered self quarantine for such people.

As the spread of COVID-19 government has banned all public events and all schools will be closed until further notice by the education ministry as a measure of preventing the spread of the virus.

When compared with other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka has the best position. It has had the COVID-19 outbreak for the longest duration but has managed to limit the case count the most. Sri Lanka also managed to keep lowest death rate in South Asia. Sri Lanka's fatality rate is 0.7%.<ref>{{cite web|title=SCOVID-19 Data in South Asia Shows India is Doing Worse than Its Neighbours|url=https://thewire.in/health/covid-19-data-in-south-asia-shows-india-is-doing-worse-than-its-neighbours|access-date=2020-05-10|website=thewire.in|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=HPB {{!}} Live updates on New Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak|url=https://hpb.health.gov.lk/en|access-date=2020-10-21|website=hpb.health.gov.lk|language=en}}</ref>

On May Sri Lanka was ranked the 9th best country in the world for its successful response in tackling the virus but Sri Lanka is ranked the 16th most vulnerable country to COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-17|title=SL performs well in fighting Coronavirus & ranked 9 in GRID Index|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/SL-performs-well-in-fighting-Coronavirus-ranked-9-in-GRID-Index/108-186696|access-date=2020-04-17|website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst|language=en}}</ref>

As of May 2021, Sri Lanka started its vaccination program with [[Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine|Oxford–AstraZeneca]], [[BBIBP-CorV|Sinopharm]] and [[Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine|Sputnik V]]. Sri Lanka has also ordered 5 Million doses of [[Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine|Pfizer–BioNTech]] becoming the first South Asian nation to approve and ordered The Pfizer vaccine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-08|title=Coronavirus {{!}} Sri Lanka approves Pfizer COVID vaccine for emergency use|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/coronavirus-sri-lanka-approves-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use/article34516482.ece|access-date=2021-05-09|website=thehindu.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-04|title=The Latest: Sri Lanka receives 1st batch of Sputnik V shots|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/latest-india-adds-368000-virus-cases-3417-deaths-77457259|access-date=2021-05-09|website=abcnews.go.com|language=en}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan}}
{{excerpt|COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan}}

==Regional response==
===15 March conference call===
On 13 March, India Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] called for a joint regional response to the pandemic through the regional organisation, SAARC; the proposal was met with positive response.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kathmandupost.com/columns/2020/03/17/will-the-coronavirus-pandemic-revive-saarc|title=Opinion {{!}} Will the coronavirus pandemic revive SAARC?|website=kathmandupost.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> A conference call was attended by heads of governments of all member states, except Pakistan which sent the special adviser to the Prime Minister, on 15 March. Modi's proposal to setup an emergency fund was agreed upon.<ref name=mr>{{cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/90487/|title=Video conference among SAARC leaders held to chalk out common strategy against COVID-19|last=Republica|website=My Republica|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> Modi also proposed creating a common research platform to coordinate research within the South Asia region,<ref name=dc>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/saarc-disaster-management-centre-launches-website-to-share-info-on-coronavirus-816474.html|title=SAARC Disaster Management Centre launches website to share info on coronavirus|date=2020-03-22|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref> while Afghan President [[Ashraf Ghani]] proposed creating a common framework for telemedicine.<ref name=mr/>

===SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund===
{{main|SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund}}
On 15 March 2020, coinciding with the International Consumer Rights Day the emergency fund was proposed by Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] during a video conference of [[SAARC]] heads of government from [[New Delhi]] as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|global coronavirus pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/pm-modi-proposes-saarc-fund-to-tackle-coronavirus/article31075168.ece|title=Covid-19: PM Modi proposes emergency SAARC fund; India to contribute $10 m|last=Bureau|first=Our|website=@businessline|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> The purpose of this fund is to tackle and mitigate the risks associated with the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|coronavirus pandemic in the South Asian region]]. Other member nations welcomed the decision of Modi for the proposal of coronavirus emergency fund.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-says-it-s-encouraging-that-saarc-leaders-contributed-to-covid-19-emergency-fund-11584982675012.html|title=India says it's 'encouraging' that SAARC leaders contributed to Covid-19 fund|last=Roche|first=Elizabeth|date=2020-03-23|website=Livemint|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref>

[[India]] announced US$10 million as its initial contribution to support the initiative and Modi stated that the contributions for the fund from member countries would be voluntary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themorning.lk/india-to-contribute-10-m-for-saarc-covid-19-emergency-fund/|title=India to contribute $10 m for SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund|date=2020-03-15|website=The Morning - Sri Lanka News|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> As of 11 April 2020, the Emergency fund had accumulated sum of US$21.8 million with the pool of contributions from seven member countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/newsindia/all-countries-except-pakistan-commit-to-covid-19-emergency-fund/ar-BB11AuWI|title=All countries except Pakistan commit to COVID-19 emergency fund|website=www.msn.com|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref>

[[Bangladesh]] announced it would contribute US$1.5 million, [[Nepal]] and [[Afghanistan]] each announced that they would voluntarily contribute US$1 million.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bangladesh-pledges-usd-1-5-mn-to-saarc-covid-19-emergency-fund-120032200897_1.html|title=Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan pledge $3.5 mn to SAARC COVID-19 Fund|date=2020-03-22|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> On 23 March, [[Sri Lanka]] announced it would contribute US$5 million which was the second most highest contribution from a member country besides India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsin.asia/lanka-pledges-us-5-million-to-saarc-coronavirus-fund/|title=Lanka pledges US$ 5 million to SAARC Coronavirus Fund|date=2020-03-23|website=NewsIn.Asia|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-24}}</ref> [[Maldives]] announced it would contribute US$200, 000 while [[Bhutan]] announced it would contribute US$100, 000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/maldives-pledges-usd-200-000-to-saarc-coronavirus-emergency-fund-1658159-2020-03-21|title=Maldives pledges USD 200,000 to SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund|last=MaleMarch 21|first=Press Trust of India|last2=March 21|first2=2020UPDATED|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-03-24|last3=Ist|first3=2020 14:25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maldives-pledges-200000-to-saarc-coronavirus-emergency-fund/article31126165.ece|title=Maldives pledges $200,000 to SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund|date=2020-03-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-24|others=PTI|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On April 10, Pakistan also announced a contribution of $3 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1547946/pakistan-pledges-3m-for-saarc-covid-fund |title=Pakistan pledges $3m for Saarc Covid fund - Newspaper |publisher=Dawn.Com |access-date=2020-04-27}}</ref>

===Medical response coordination===
The SAARC Disaster Management Centre later launched a website for information related to the pandemic in member countries, as proposed by Modi in the conference call.<ref name=dc/>

A video conference was held among health professional of all countries at the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) level on 26 March, to discuss a framework for cooperation as agreed in the 15 March conference. A shared electronic platform for sharing of information, knowledge and expertise was proposed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/91408/|title=Health professionals of SAARC member states hold video conference to contain coronavirus|last=Republica|website=My Republica|language=en|access-date=2020-03-30}}</ref>

==Censorship==
People in [[India]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Fake News, Real Arrests |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/04/17/fake-news-real-arrests/ |work=Foreign Policy |date=April 17, 2020}}</ref><ref name="straitstimes">{{cite news |title=Asia cracks down on coronavirus 'fake news' |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/coronavirus-asia-cracks-down-on-virus-fake-news |work=The Straits Times |date=April 10, 2020}}</ref> [[Pakistan]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Man arrested for spreading fake news on coronavirus |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/03/25/man-arrested-in-lahore-for-spreading-fake-news-on-coronavirus/ |work=Pakistan Today |date=25 March 2020}}</ref> [[Bangladesh]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: End Wave of COVID-19 'Rumor' Arrests |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/31/bangladesh-end-wave-covid-19-rumor-arrests |work=Human Rights Watch |date=March 31, 2020}}</ref> and [[Sri Lanka]]<ref name="straitstimes"/> have been arrested for allegedly spreading [[false information]] about the COVID-19 pandemic.

== Impact of mobility reduction on air quality ==
[[File:AQI2.5 in SAARC early 2020.tif|thumb|AQI PM2.5 changes across SAARC countries indicates a reduction of particle emission due to COVID-19 containment measurement as well as a positive environmental outcome in the cities. The data has been smoothed using the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) method.|448x448px]]
In light of the Google COVID-19 community mobility reports,<ref>{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 Community Mobility Report|url=https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility?hl=en|access-date=2020-10-14|website=COVID-19 Community Mobility Report}}</ref> apparently Afghanistan has a base decrease of mobility and a lower mobility in residential from the base. As far as indoor activity, rate versatility expanded in all nations at a comparable level aside from Afghanistan. Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka had a higher decrease in outdoor, open air versatility. Notwithstanding, for Bangladesh and Pakistan, mobility in the parks didn't lessen that much (around 10-25%) contrasted with other SAARC nations aside from Afghanistan.<ref name=":0">{{Cite report|last=Shohan|first=Mohammad Umer Sharif|last2=Alam|first2=A S M Rubayet Ul|last3=Rakhi|first3=Nadira Naznin|last4=Kabir|first4=Mahmuda|last5=Siam|first5=Mohammad Kawsar Sharif|last6=Hasan|first6=Md Mehadi|last7=Sheriff|first7=Rahuman|last8=Karim|first8=Mohd Anisul|last9=Rahman|first9=Arafat|last10=Moni|first10=Mohammad Ali|last11=Khan|first11=Md Arif|date=2020-08-18|title=Onset, Transmission, Impact, and Management of COVID-19 Epidemic at Early Stage in SAARC Countries|url=https://www.authorea.com/users/351600/articles/476174-onset-transmission-impact-and-management-of-covid-19-epidemic-at-early-stage-in-saarc-countries?commit=c6f7c02323b896360a8b32252185002002e9b10b|doi=10.22541/au.159775079.90952648}}</ref> Likewise, in all classes, Sri Lanka has a reliably higher decrease in portability.

The impact of mobility decrease was likewise seen noticeable in air-quality record <ref name=":0" /> (in view of particulate issue size 2.5 micrometers, otherwise called AQI PM2.5). Aside from the Bhutan and Maldives, all nations in SAARC have day by day records of PM2.5 (as announced in airnow.gov) which has been imagined in figure 4 from mid 2020 until May 10 for all urban areas for which the information is accessible in SAARC. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka indicated an expansion of AQI PM2.5 esteem in mid 2020 that crested in mid February, and afterward reliably declined until May. In every single other nation, a consistent diminishing has been seen in these five months. Since a huge extent of PM2.5 can be credited to traffic vehicle's gas and mechanical consuming of fills, this overall decrease of AQI information by implication shows an impact of lockdown in these nations.

== See also ==
* [[COVID-19 pandemic in Asia]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory]]

==References==
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{{COVID-19 pandemic}}
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[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Asia|*South Asia]]
[[Category:History of South Asia]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia