KARACHI:
As the rate of confirmed Covid-19 cases across the country surges to 9%, prompting the government to impose a major lockdown across seven cities in Punjab, the country is bracing itself for the unrelenting third wave of the coronavirus. The deadly virus is not just limited to Punjab as micro-smart lockdowns are now being implemented in some areas of Karachi as well. Many now fear that the situation will only worsen as Ramazan and Eid ul Fitr are just around the corner. Moreover, many people will be eager to travel to their hometowns which will merely add fuel to the fire.
It is rather evident by now that our people will not let the deadly pandemic stop them from Eid shopping and iftar parties. The whole situation might not have been a cause for panic had it not been for the utter disregard for SOPs. This is something that people must realise, especially now when the signs of the third wave of the virus having set in are clearly visible. It is about time for the people to start following the prescribed SOPs seriously. While the general public needs to use face mask as a permanent feature of their dressing, shopkeepers and businessmen must also follow the official guidelines so as to help contain the spread of the deadly virus. And it is for the relevant authorities also to ensure that the public takes the raging pandemic seriously and adheres to the safety precautions.
All of us need to be prepared for the onslaught of potential virus carriers. I hope that the authorities are also aware of the severity of the third strike of Covid-19.
Maira Pasha
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2021.
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