THE country has witnessed a surge in number of infections
and deaths due to Corona Virus over the last few days, which should certainly raise alarm bells in quarters concerned and warrants review of the strategy to deal with this precarious situation forthwith.
Addressing a news conference on Friday, Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed the death of ninety patients in a single day. Saturday data also showed 3,039 new infections and 88 deaths over last 24 hours. This really indicates that ease of restrictions especially on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr and non-compliance of SOPs by the people has worsened the situation. What is really worrisome is that conspiracy theories about the pandemic are doing rounds in abundance in our society. Even educated lot is not taking the threat seriously rather they harbour false notions such as virus is fake. Then there are also people who hide Covid-19 symptoms, fearing stigma. As National Coordination Committee on Corona Virus meets today (Monday), to discuss course of action for the month of June, it is important that massive awareness campaigns are started across the country to eradicate this myth and highlight the importance of precautionary measures to stay safe from the virus.
Until and unless an antidote is developed, we have to learn to stay with the virus. There is clear WHO warning that the virus may never go away even after development of the vaccine. Therefore, government has no other option but to gradually open up businesses and offices. Other countries are also now doing the same. It is only through utmost care and practicing precautionary measures that we can reverse the tide of the pandemic. For their own sake and the country, people must fully comply with the SOPs, otherwise consequences could be dire for our healthcare system and overall economy. It is also for federal and provincial governments to speak with one voice and move forward with complete consensus while eschewing political point scoring.
