AS many countries especially those in the West juggle with strategies to cope with Covid-19, statistics show that Pakistan is on course to flatten its curve. The decision to impose smart lockdown in hotspot areas has so far yielded positive results with over eighty one percent patients recovered. According to latest data on the pandemic issued by National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday, out of 270,400 people infected by the virus, 219,783 have recovered leaving behind only 44,854 active cases.
Indeed this is a big success and credit for this definitely goes to federal and provincial governments for putting in coordinated efforts to achieve this far. A stronger enforcement effort and compliance of SOPs by people at large can be credited for current gains in fight against the virus. It will be unfair not to honour and acknowledge the health workers who served as frontline soldiers in this unprecedented health crisis. However, there is no need to be complacent as the threat is not over yet. According to researchers the threat will persist as long as the vaccine is not developed. Some countries have witnessed fresh clusters of outbreaks after lifting of restrictions. Therefore our authorities and people should continue to act in a responsible and matured manner in order to build on the success achieved so far and avoid spike in the cases.
Especially, on the eve of Eid ul Azha, the people should avoid rush in cattle as well as shopping markets and fully comply with the SOPs. It is also for the authorities concerned to take strict action against violators. The cattle markets should only be allowed at fixed points and those making illegal makeshift markets should be severely penalised. As appealed by Prime Minister Imran Khan the other day, we should celebrate the Eid with simplicity as any non-seriousness and carelessness could lead to fresh spike in cases — something Pakistan can least afford given myriad economic challenges faced by it. If situation remains under control during Eid ul Azha, it will help government take the country towards normalcy and reopen all other sectors of the economy including educational institutions but with proper guidelines and SOPs.
