WITH each passing day, the situation is getting serious with regards to Covid-19 in the country. There has been a steady rise in the cases in the last week with more than one thousand new infections reported each day. On Saturday 1502 new cases were reported which is the highest number recorded so far.
In view of the alarming situation, National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has announced a series of restrictions including ban on indoor weddings, Rs 100 fine on non-wearing of masks whilst public and private offices have been told to implement a fifty percent work from home policy. In areas identified as hotspots, relatively broader smart lockdowns have also been recommended. Undoubtedly these steps were inevitable as the people had stopped following the health guidelines. Especially the gatherings at public places and wedding halls as also observed by the NCOC were highly contributing to the spread of the contagious disease. Whilst the restrictions are very timely, it is important that the district administrations fulfil their responsibilities to ensure their implementation. In our view, the fine on non-wearing of masks and violations of other SOPs needs to be further enhanced to compel the people strictly to follow the safety measures. Already the virus has badly affected our economy as well as the education of our children and if we fail to follow the prescribed coronavirus safety measures, the situation could go worse that may force the government to once again close down the educational institutions and the industries- something we can least afford. We will have to stay alert until and unless the vaccine is developed and made available in our health facilities. It is, therefore, for us to fully comply with the health guidelines for our own safety as well as of others. Awareness campaigns must also immediately be launched both on electronic and print media to sensitize the people about the gravity of the situation. Religious scholars must also be approached again to ensure compliance of SOPs at the mosques and other religious gatherings. We have to demonstrate unity to curb the pandemic.
