Expert calls for pre-emptive strategy to contain Covid-19

Dr Omer says test, trace contacts quickly and ease lockdown slowly, sector wise

ISLAMABAD: American expert Professor Dr Saad B. Omer has urged for adopting a pre-emptive strategy to contain spread of Covid-19, and advised not to wait for the virus cases to rise.

Dr Omer said this while delivering lecture during an online seminar arranged by COMSTECH on Wednesday for Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) countries.

The American expert said that countries that reacted quickly, proactively succeeded in slowing down the spread, whereas those countries which were not proactive saw exponential rise in cases.

Dr Omer suggested responding quickly, test, trace contacts and ease the lockdown slowly, smartly and sector wise.

To a question about easing lockdown while there is no therapy, no vaccine, he replied that it depends on the rate of cases; if cases are rising rapidly then nations should have appropriate strategy to cope with the situation.

He suggested easing lockdown carefully by implementing all suggested safety measures. Participants from various cities of Pakistan, and other OIC countries such as Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh and Egypt joined the session.

He said that development of vaccine against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is underway speedily as human trials have been started and there is no huge delay in its progress.

Dr Omer discussed all technical aspects involved in the process of vaccine development for treatment of Covid-19. He provided a detailed account of various vaccines which are in the process of development, and explained how vaccines work against the viral pathogens.

The health expert said that no country or nation should be stigmatised for Covid-19. There was a need for empowering scientists to lead in making critical decisions, avoid fake news and false assurances, he added.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2020.