Covid-19 helps pollen season pass easily

ISLAMABAD: The pollen season in the federal capital, a dreaded time for those with allergies, has almost passed with officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department stating that the peak pollen count for this year has already come and past.

The highest concentration of pollen recorded this year was 46,892 per cubic metre of air (m3). It was recorded on March 23 and passed without causing too much trouble because it was sandwiched between two rain spells. Curiously, this was the highest concentration of pollen in the federal capital since the concentration of 48,080 m3 recorded in March 2005, and slightly more than last year’s peak of 46,131 m3.

By contrast, the pollen count recorded in the federal capital on Sunday was just 13,052 m3, fall of 250 per cent, the met officials said.

Officials added that the situation emerging in the city and adjoining areas due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic had proven to be a blessing in disguise for people susceptible to pollen.

On the one hand, people were forced to stay indoors, while on the other, those venturing outdoors had to wear some sort of mask to prevent the spread of the pandemic virus.

Both measures helped keep the number of allergy patients low. Besides staying home and wearing masks, officials said that people frequently washed their hands and face.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2020.