Key suggestions to defeat coronavirus

The World Health Organization had already issued all technical guidance comprising 16 topics to help governments address situations in various countries. Pakistan government and its institutions have done a good job in creating awareness among the masses, and also taken measures to provide treatment to those affected by the coronavirus. However, first of all the focus should remain on the precautions i.e. ways to prevent the disease: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; cover nose and mouth when sneezing; cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; use sanitizer; avoid crowded places (social distancing. By doing so, you can lower your risk of infection by reducing your rate of contact with other people. Avoiding public places and unnecessary social gatherings, especially events with large numbers of people or crowds will lower the chance that you will be exposed to the coronavirus as well as to other infectious diseases like flue.
But it is equally important that policy level decisions on government level are implemented on priority basis to have desired results, whereas disjointed efforts may lead to paralysis at execution level. Think tanks of premier institution have given its recommendations that are: National Policy for ensuring Compulsory Vaccine Regime on its discovery must be adopted. Flexible policy for gradual opening of industrial/business sector be ensured in synchronization with Provinces. The government should help sponsor domestic innovators to design new digital solutions to combat the pandemic. Centralized online management software, linked with private/government hospitals be made operational at NCOC for real time forecasting of available and potential demand for medical supplies. Economic sustainability versus prolonged lockdown model needs due deliberation, as inaccurate analysis may lead to stagnation and economic paralysis. Perception management strategy should be formulated and implemented to ward off panic and hysteria amongst populace. Ehsaas Programme be synergized in coordination with Provinces while due accountability must be ensured.
Special financial assistance must be extended to women workers especially vulnerable single mothers/widows through fusion of existing database and input received through Provincial/ District Administration. SBP needs to devise mechanism to avoid public crowding at Banks especially during peak days. Federal Government must request UNHCR for financial assistance of Afghan Refugees to merge them in Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme on Humanitarian basis. Capacity enhancement of COVID testing capability must be ensured centrally by merger of all existing healthcare infrastructures. Zero tolerance policy must be adopted by Federal/ Provincial Governments to ensure bio-safety precautions and Infectious Waste Management Disposal protocols in Hospitals/Quarantine/Isolation centres. Government may consider activating village committees for launching active awareness campaigns in remote areas. These measures would create confidence of the people that the government is going on the right track. Last but not the least, transparency in distribution of funds under Ahsaas and other programs must be ensured.