Thanks to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ingenious “smart lockdown” plan, the rate of new infections has significantly subsided while the international community has praised Pakistan’s efforts of successfully curbing the spread of the deadly disease. However, things are still far from over and the authorities still need to remain vigilant. There has been much global talk about the virus re-spreading and the emergence of a second wave, which indicates that the virus is here to stay.
The ongoing month of Muharram is the real test for authorities as it is evident from past experiences that after such events, the rate of infections suddenly surge. Consequently, the authorities will need to maintain a balance between letting people carry out their religious rituals and ensuring implementation on SOPs. But without the will and support of the people, such a task may be impossible. Only if citizens are willing to work hand in hand with the authorities, individually follow social distancing protocols and take the necessary precautions, can we come out of this month unhinged. The Ulema need to come up with a set of protocols that can be enforced during Muharram gatherings and processions in order to reduce the threat of the virus spreading. Mourners, around the world, need to particularly be wary of their interactions because a simple mistake could initiate a second wave rather quickly, the aftermath of which will be nothing but disastrous.
It is highly likely that the pandemic may never end. Instead, it may become a new normal that the world will have to adapt to for a longer period. People need to gear up for sudden lockdowns and ensure that they maintain proper hygiene long after the spread subsides.
Naheed Omer
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
