It is time to follow WHO’s recommendation of intermittent lockdown which would help in continuing economic activity
KARACHI: The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rapidly started rising after the government lifted lockdown restrictions across the country. Hospitals are under immense pressure while having to deal with a total of 125,900 cases. The WHO has warned the country of the grave risks of not following lockdown measures, but Prime Minister Imran Khan is completely convinced that his decision of not continuing with the lockdown is unerring since he believes that an extended lockdown would result in more people dying from hunger than from Covid-19. He also considers the situation in Pakistan to be way better than in other countries.
Though adhering to a complete lockdown strategy has its economic repercussions; negligence and misinformation on the government’s part has worsened the situation. Thus, despite continuous warnings from doctors, the government has lifted the lockdown nearly completely. Furthermore, government’s confusing statements regarding the severity of the virus has played a significant part in exacerbating the situation. Lack of public awareness remains yet another barrier in the process of implementing of precautionary measures.
It is time to follow WHO’s recommendation of intermittent lockdown which would help in continuing economic activity while guarding the safety of the citizens at the same time. Considering that hospitals have already started refusing Covid-19 treatment owing to the fact that their resources have been exhausted, the government must now take serious measures to contain the spread of the virus. They need to increase their testing capability, and provide adequate access to medical equipment, especially ventilators. While corroborating the execution of SOPs remains a must; responsible and clear communication with the public at large has become the need of the hour.
Nayab Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2020.
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