KARACHI:
For the last few weeks, people have been thronging beach points in Karachi to beat the scorching heat. According to videos circulating on social media, the Turtle beach, the Hawkes Bay beach and Paradise Point are overcrowded, especially during the weekends. However, Covid-19 SOPs are not being followed at all.
It feels as if the coronavirus pandemic has been normalised in places like Karachi and, as a result, people have started taking it lightly. Some have completely stopped following the rules devised by the government. Indeed, beaches are a place of happiness, a place where you can take yourself and your family away from the fast-paced life of the bustling mega city. But it needs to be done with care for your life and the life of others: this is the main threat. With a fourth wave looming over us, it is extremely necessary to take precautionary measure even if you are vaccinated. We have fortunately not faced the wrath of the deadly Delta variant and, to be frank, I don’t think we are capable enough to handle a situation similar the one that happened across our eastern border.
To prevent any such condition in our own backyard, people must strictly follow SOPs to maintain a low rate of infections. The Sindh government should also see to it that people wear face masks in public, especially where there are more crowds. The government should also impose fines if people do not follow the conditions to avoid a sudden rise in Covid-19 cases.
Maria Ghulam Muhammad
Karachi.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2021.
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