A laudable effort

Letter August 10, 2020
As the infection curve begins to flatten, it is apparent that the smart lockdown initiative has been highly successful in curbing the spread of the contagion.

KARACHI:

The government has finally decided to open all public places from the next week as all indicators bear testimony to the fact that the authorities have managed to contain the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus. As the infection curve begins to flatten, it is apparent that the smart lockdown initiative has been highly successful in curbing the spread of the contagion. Furthermore, it is reported that 91% of the total Covid-19 patients have recovered from the illness.

Such promising evidence and statistical data point to the fact that the NCOC, in collaboration with provincial chief ministers and advisers, have been working tenaciously under a unified national strategy to prevent the virus from snowballing into a state of emergency, despite their bitter differences. Moreover, it is undeniable that the public outcry and criticisms also gave the federal and provincial authorities an impetus to confront the catastrophic reality of the virus. Thus, they managed to formulate and implement the plan to fight the virus at the backdrop of great pressure. One cannot ignore that prompt action and prudent measures such as testing and quarantining of international passengers and the enforcement of smart lockdowns saved the day.

However, it is still important for the government to remain vigilant in the coming days owing to the recent Eid celebrations as well as the approaching month of Muharram. But most importantly, testing which has declined proportionately to the cases, should increase and be made more accessible.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2020.

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