Sajjad Shaukat
Coronavirus pandemic also named as COVID-19 which is, rapidly, spreading across the world has killed more than 22,000 persons and infected over 510,000 individuals despite lockdowns in many countries, especially Western states.
Besides other restrictions, taking precautionary measures, airport screening of passengers is being done not only at airports, but also at other transport places like railway stations, bus stations etc. To further prevent the coronavirus outbreak, many countries’ authorities have stepped out screening of passengers arriving from coronavirus sensitive countries. And some countries have closed border with the neighbouring countries.
Different countries have adopted testing of the persons, suspected by the indications of the contravirus.
As regards Pakistan, up to March 27, this year, the number of coronavirus-deaths in the country has reached the figure of nine, whereas the number of persons, affected by the virus is 1,128.
Pakistan has also taken measures, especially of China who has succeeded in controlling COVID-19. In this respect, Government of Pakistan has also closed down schools, colleges and banned the marriage ceremonies etc. A ban was also imposed on sit-ins and processions, rallies at public places, sports gathering and cinemas.
As most of the Pakistanis were not taking preventive measures to save their lives from the coronavirus pandemic in accordance with the instructions of the medical experts and the health department, the central and provincial governments were compelled to impose restrictions of various kinds-complete or partial lockdown to stop further outbreak of this fatal disease.
But, most of the citizens are violating the restrictions. Hence, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing day by day in the country. The military, paramilitary soldiers and police have also placed barricades on various points to stop the unnecessary movements of the people. Security forces have also arrested many people who were found violating the Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including those who were selling sanitizers and masks at exorbitant rates in addition to indulgence in hoarding.
Nevertheless, to stop the further spread of coronavirus pandemic, people need to act upon the famous maximum-“prevention is better than cure.” For the purpose they need self-quarantine or isolation.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Self-isolating is for people who have already been infected with the virus. Self-quarantining is for those who may be ill and need to keep themselves separate from others on the chance they become sick over the incubation period.”
In this connection, addressing the nation on March 22, 2020, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan once again urged the nation to keep calm and not panic as the country battles the coronavirus outbreak. He said: “Pakistan cannot afford to impose a total lockdown. 25% of the people in the country live below the poverty line…if the situation in the country had escalated…he would have thought about imposing a lockdown…the virus could be curbed if people stopped attending gatherings and weddings and started staying at home to ensure minimum spread of the virus…Like China, Pakistan could come out of this pandemic if the public was disciplined and practised self-isolation.”[And self-quarantine].
Earlier, addressing the nation, PM Imran Khan said: “We as a nation need to win this war against coronavirus” and asked the people “to adopt precautionary measures to overcome the highly contagious disease…everyone must avoid gatherings of more than 40 people. Handshaking must also be avoided…those arriving from abroad to go in a 14-day self-quarantine…The virus is dangerous for old people since it attacked their already-weakened immune system…Our economic situation is very fragile…If we close down the country, what will happen to the poor? People will die of hunger…the country’s Ulem said that it was their responsibility to play a positive role in the crisis.”
It is notable that the government has arranged an economic package for daily wagers in order to help them in these dire situations. Pakistan is a huge charity giving country and just like the government, privileged citizens should also contribute in providing financial support to labourers/daily wagers.
And, media should also play positive role and should advise the people to cooperate with authorities, and to take preventive measures to protect themselves from this fatal disease.
Meanwhile, it is excellent decision that in a joint statement on March 26, 2020, World Bank and IMF urged official bilateral creditors to provide immediate debt relief to the world’s poorest countries due to the coronavirus outbreak. It is mentionable that addressing a press conference on March 23, 2020, DG of the ISPR Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar said: “Coronavirus is a danger…but the Pakistan Army is fully aware of its duty and would counter the pandemic with the nation’s help…wished to apprise the country’s citizens of the military’s efforts in the war against COVID-19…The borders had been closed as a preventive measure but the actual border is between the man and the coronavirus…will only be possible through self-discipline and cooperation…Pakistan was facing a serious challenge and that only with the people’s belief in the state could this problem be resolved…in a special corps commanders conference to deal with coronavirus, Pakistan Army’s aid to civil institutions and its plan of action was reviewed.”
Maj-Gen Iftikhar also urged people to follow the guidelines issued by health authorities and the government.
Notably, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Pakistan, Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala urged the people on March 13, 2020 to follow the precautionary measures to avoid COVID-19. He advised the people “to avoid contracting the viral disease…should avoid visiting public gatherings, maintain hand hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water, following coughing and sneezing etiquettes, and remaining indoors in case of flu-like symptoms…very important that people remain indoors for some days if they have flu-like symptoms.”
Nonetheless, coronavirus pandemic requires that people must act upon the precautionary measures, taking note of the maximum-“prevention is better than cure.”
