THE National Coordination Committee (NCC) Thursday decided to ease further the restrictions imposed in the country, a move that obviously puts onus of relaxations on citizens with Prime Minister Imran Khan urging them to demonstrate responsibility with regard to strict implementation of the safety guidelines and social distancing. This was evident from his remarks that the decision to return to normalcy in phases was being taken at a time when the curve was going up, adding that the restrictions could be restored anytime if the outbreak worsens.
As per decision taken by the NCC, shops would open from 09 May from Sehri to 5.00 pm with two-day weekly break, small markets and shops in small localities and rural areas would have permission to do business but big markets would remain closed, deadline for closure of schools has been extended till July 15, more construction related sectors would open and selected OPDs would be allowed to function. The NCC, chaired by the Prime Minister, opted for relaxation at a time when Pakistan’s Covid-19 death toll registered an over 100 per cent increase in 10 days — from 28 April to 9 May — while the number of cases reported by each province was also rising. However, it is satisfying that the NCC has not opted for wholesale lifting of curbs and instead took a serious and reality-based review of the situation. It is encouraging that critical components of the lockdown are still in pace and these would surely help check the spread of the virus. There were talks about opening of educational institutions from June 1 but sanity prevailed and the shutdown of schools has been extended till mid-July. Though there would be serious losses in terms of study of students and promotion of next grades without formal board examinations, which have been scrapped, would have life-long implications for the students but safety of life is more important than any other consideration.
Similarly, the meeting did well by accepting proposal of the provinces not to allow resumption of public transport in the prevailing conditions as this could have led to more infections because of increased mobility and closer interaction. It would be naïve to expect transporters to observe social distancing in public transport especially close to Eid festival which is considered by them as period of minting money. Pakistan Railways is, no doubt, suffering more losses due to closure of the train service but resumption of its commercial activities at this stage is fraught with serious implications. The Government has apparently tried to strike a balance between continuation of core measures aimed at preventing spread of Covid-19 and gradual return to normal life, which is necessary in view of hardships being faced by different segments of the society and the damage caused to the overall economy due to suspension of business and industrial operations. Opening of construction and related sectors and businesses as well as small shops would benefit majority of people whereas observance of daily timings and two-day off would also help check the spread of virus. It is relevant to point out here that the successive governments have been trying hard to convince the business community to close their shops in the evening to save energy but they have been resisting the proposition for their vested interests despite the fact that such an arrangement would not dent their business or profitability as customers would adjust their shopping habits accordingly.
Elsewhere in the world, markets close at 1700, 1800 or at least 2000 hours and this good practice helps them check some social evils besides salutary impact on overall health of the people. Taking advantage of the prevailing situation, the federal and provincial governments may consider early closure of shops and markets in the evening on a permanent basis. It is also important to note that Thursday’s meeting of the NCC took all decisions with consensus – it dropped some of the proposals that were not acceptable to provinces and included some other suggestions of the provinces both in terms of continuation of the restrictions and their abolition. This has also sent a positive message to the people and the consensus augurs well for success of the decisions announced. However, much depends on the overall behaviour of the people and for this there should be continued awareness campaign to sensitize them about the possible risks and the need for wholehearted social-distancing.
