Even without lockdown measures, it is absolutely necessary for us to follow social distancing protocols
ISLAMABAD: The number of Covid-19 cases in Islamabad has rapidly doubled over the course of a few days. In the past 24-hours, the capital city has recorded 131 new cases out of which 87 are male and 44 are female. While healthcare workers frantically care for patients, much debate has arisen regarding the cause of this sudden increase.
Citizens and social workers claim that the swift rise was bound to occur after the government announced the easing of restriction and lockdown measures. The crumbling governance and healthcare system has been unable to cope with the crisis and the easing of the lockdown has exacerbated the whole situation. Many claim that since the citizens cannot stay indoors, they need to be forced through the implementation of strict restrictions by the government for their own safety and well-being.
District Health Officer Dr Zaeem Zia, however, tells a different story by asserting the fact that these rises have occurred as a result of the increased efficiency in the Covid-19 tracking system. The greater the testing, the higher the chances of an increase in recorded cases, she insists.
One can safely assume that both situations could have cumulatively led to this sudden increase. But as citizens, we need to play an active role in trying to understand the situation. Many seem to believe that the lockdown has been eased because the virus has been eliminated from the country. Even without lockdown measures, it is absolutely necessary for us to follow social distancing protocols.
Arham Sohail
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2020.
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