Easing the lockdown

Letter May 16, 2020
Since the lockdown was enforced, it became clear rather quickly that the citizens would give authorities a hard time

ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a gradual exit from the nationwide lockdown despite a surging number of coronavirus cases in the country. According to the notification, all major shopping malls and educational institutions in Punjab will remain closed. However, barbershops, beauty parlors and gymnasiums are allowed to open for four days a week while all grocery stores, tandoors and general stores can operate from 9am to 5pm. The notification has already caused many people to openly flout restriction measures as they take to the streets.

Since the lockdown was enforced, it became clear rather quickly that the citizens would give authorities a hard time. Just last month, authorities buckled under the pressure from religious groups ahead of Ramadan and allowed mosques to hold daily prayers and evening congregations after scholars and religious leaders promised to adhere to the SOPs in mosques. Furthermore, thousands of shoppers have also been thronging popular market places. Many people, without protective gear, have been seen standing in long queues outside food stops ready to hoard up on food items for their iftar meals.

With the infection tally reaching 40,000, authorities need to be all the more vigilant and introduce restrictions before Eid as thousands of shoppers will be at risk. The situation could very easily get out of hand.

Ali Khan

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2020.

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