On a positive note though, since every calamity must come to an end, this one shall pass too. One must keep up hope
PESHAWAR: The world has changed to a great extent in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and new realities are emerging. It is evident from the way the businesses, workplaces and educational institutions are operating the world over. Even a festival like Eid — in case of Pakistan and other Muslims countries — could not be celebrated with traditional fervour.
The virus-induced lockdowns have affected the global economy. As a result not just the trade and businesses are suffering, but common people have also taken a big financial hit. No one can precisely predict when we will get rid of this lethal virus. Therefore, in the meantime, the authorities need to promote entrepreneurship in a bid to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn on the people.
The pandemic, however, can only be curbed through an effective vaccine. But this, according to experts, in not going to happen so soon, and will take a considerable amount of time. That we will have to live with the virus, at least for some time, goes without saying. We will have to abide by the social distancing practices prescribed by the World Health Organization. These practices include hand-washing, wearing face masks, not going outdoors unnecessarily, and keeping a safe distance from others. However, in many countries of the world, including ours, the negligent public is not adhering to these practices, risking their own lives and those of their near-ones.
On a positive note though, since every calamity must come to an end, this one shall pass too. One must keep up hope.
Maaz Khan Burfat
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2020.
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