We all are very well aware of the epidemic disease coronavirus (COVID-19)
KARACHI: We all are very well aware of the epidemic disease coronavirus (COVID-19). This disease first emerged in the city of Wuhan, China. The WHO declared a global health emergency over the virus COVID-19 that has killed around 3,000 people in mainland China. The rapidly spreading virus has triggered fear across the globe and it has now affected Asia, including Pakistan. Nevertheless, China took up arms against this epidemic virus and built 2 new hospitals in very short time for over 2,500 patients and taking other precautionary measures. But things are relatively different in Pakistan. On Feb 26, two patients who recently visited Iran came back to Pakistan and tested positive for COVID-19. Pakistanis created unnecessary panic across the country, especially in Karachi. Firstly, it triggered a shortage of surgical masks in the market and if there were any masks present at any store they were charging Rs200 for a single mask which was originally for Rs10, although the wearing of these surgical masks doesn’t protect us from this virus.
In order to stay cautious people need to wash their hands on a regular basis as well as use alcohol- based sanitizers before and after meals. On social media patients’ medical reports are circulated in which residential address, mobile number and all the personal details are mentioned. This is inappropriate and needs to be stopped. We should send positive messages on TV channels and create awareness that helps prevent this virus in order to reduce panic. The government of Pakistan should take positive measures to stop the spread of the virus. We should not be afraid and fight with courage to suppress this virus.
Syed Zulfiqar Mehdi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2020.
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