UNTIL now government has resisted enforcement of a complete lockdown in major cities mainly because of its economic impact especially on underprivileged segments of the society including daily wagers and labourers.
However, given the current rising curve of the Virus, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday considered enforcement of lockdowns in cities reporting high positivity ratios.
The restrictions, if enforced, would include closure of markets, malls, less essential services, a ban on intercity public transport and a complete closure of educational institutions.
The virus indeed is wreaking havoc and a final decision about lockdown will have to be taken sooner rather than later before our health infrastructure crumbles down.
Saturday saw the country recording highest deaths of 157 with positivity ratio reaching 11.27 percent.
Producers of oxygen gas have already warned authorities of an extreme shortage looming in the country.
In a statement, it was stated that they are currently producing oxygen at their maximum capacity and if Corona Virus cases continue to rise, situation could turn similar to that in India, where a shortage of the vital gas has triggered a serious public health crisis.
Our hospital beds are also filling up fast with doctors finding it difficult to attend rising number of patients.
All this indicates non-serious attitude on part of the people. This situation could have been averted if people had observed caution and heeded to the advice of adhering to health guidelines.
In our view, it is not still too late. If people start observing the SOPs, the disaster could be averted. Containing this virus is a collective responsibility of people and the government.
We will not be able to control its spread unless every person becomes engaged and follows prevention recommendations.
We are confident that presence of Army personnel on roads and in markets will make a difference as regards observance of SOPs is concerned.
Those violating the SOPs including individuals not wearing masks must be heavily penalised.
This will compel people to be more cautious. Mass awareness campaign should be launched both on electronic and print media, sensitising the people that threat is far from over.
The decision of locking down the cities should be taken after thorough consultations with provincial governments and a plan should also be evolved to provide financial assistance to those who will be affected by it even if it is for one or two weeks.
It will be far better if a meeting of all political parties is convened to take consensus decisions. This initiative has to be taken none other than the government.
It is time to show unity in our ranks while rising above petty political interests. There should not be any point scoring on this issue from anyone.
At the same time it is important that federal and provincial governments further enhance the capacity of hospitals besides the process of procuring the vaccine must be accelerated. Saving our people must be the top priority.
