Corona creeps upward

EITHER the concerned authorities have noticed it or not but the statistics of the last few days do suggest an obvious increase in the number of Coronavirus cases in the country. Though the death rate remains in the single digit, but the figure of new infections remained over 750 and 645 over the last two days.
Whilst the country has so far been receiving recognition and applause from world bodies such as the World Health Organization for controlling the pandemic, the recent figures should certainly ring alarm bells in the government departments to take the requisite steps to avoid the spread of the virus before it is too late. One obvious factor is that the people have stopped complying with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against the Covid-19. Hardly anybody is using masks or the hand sanitizers now before going to the markets or the offices. This carelessness can trigger a further spike in the cases which would have disastrous consequences for the country. Our economy is already struggling to recover and closure of businesses and markets once again will put the country into deep trouble and render thousands of other people jobless. Therefore, it is imperative that the federal and provincial governments immediately launch awareness campaigns on the media about the threat posed by the pandemic. Until and unless there is a vaccine against the disease, we will have to remain on high alert. Sindh government has decided not to reopen the primary and middle schools as per the schedule after a 2.4pc spike in Covid-19 cases in the province. Indeed the provincial government can take independent decisions on the matter but it would have been far better if it had taken the NCOC into confidence in order to maintain the environment of cooperation and coordination. It is really good to see that the educational institutions not complying with the SOPs are being shut by the administration. But at the same time if the cases continue to rise, it will be advisable to further delay the reopening of primary to middle level classes. For these students, online classes must be continued. For Grade nine and above, the administration must ensure that the educational institutions follow the laid down health guidelines.