MULTAN:
The cause for the sudden surge in Covid-19 infections during the month of May was the easing of the lockdown for Eid-ul-Fitr preparations, as people began to roam bazaars and attend Eid parties. All SOPs were ignored across the country, leading to the exponential rise in cases. Soon after, hospital wards began to choke and doctors became overworked. As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, along with the monsoon season, we must make sure not to repeat the mistakes we did on Eid-ul-Fitr.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has recently acknowledged that the steps recently taken – including the observation of strict SOPs and the implementation of the smart lockdown – have led to positive results, reflected in the number of daily infection cases and deaths undergoing a significant fall. Alongside that, the Prime Minister has also urged everyone to take extra care during Eid-ul-Azha so as to avoid the overburdening of hospitals again. In addition to this, hospital OPDs after weeks of being closed are resuming operation as the daily cases have reportedly fallen below 2,000 across the country.
It is now feared that with the coming of Eid many people will once again pay no heed to SOPs. Furthermore, there is a fear of transmission of the disease through animal markets as well. Traditionally, farmers who have been rearing animals travel to cities from their villages to sell animals before Eid. It could very well be the case that these farmers and herders could have contracted the coronavirus while travelling which could then lead to the spread of the deadly infection in these markets.
It is advised that the Prime Minister issue specific orders regarding how these markets are set up and conducted this year. To continue this positive trend, we must not fall back on our old ways.
Seema Naqvi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2020.
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