ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan for the first time since the breakout of Covid-19 has issued stern warning to countrymen couple of days ago urging them to strictly adhere to the pandemic protocols.
“Else we will be facing the same situation India currently is in”, Imran Khan clearly warned in his address to the nation on April 23.
The Prime Minister had stated the situation was changing very fast and we might have to impose a lockdown in the days to come, which would be devastating for the economy and the poor.
He went on to say “Today, people are asking me to impose a lockdown, but we are not taking such an extreme step for now. I am more concerned about the poor and daily wagers.”
He was of the view that if we strictly follow SOPs till Eid, we may not need to take the extreme steps India has been taking.
That was a very clear message from the Prime Minister to all and sundry as how precarious the situation is obtaining on ground. There has been steady surge in coronovirus infections across the country over a month.
On March 21, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had called for countrywide lockdown to control the rising number of Coronavirus cases. So had been the concerns of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) over the fast changing situation across the country.
Meanwhile, the NCOC has unveiled a comprehensive plan in consultation with the provinces in case lockdowns become necessary in certain cities.
The plan entails closure of all schools in cities where the positivity ratio is above 5% till Eid. Classes 9-12 will also not be held in-person. The outdoor dining is also being banned till Eid and only takeaway is allowed. Indoor gyms have also been ordered to close down under the new restrictions. All the markets have been told to close by 6pm except for essential services and a list will be issued of those businesses that are allowed to operate.
Also a decision has been taken to restrict office timings till 2pm so that people can do Eid shopping easily within the time limits set by the government. The 50% work from home policy will continue.
Why surge in Coronavirus cases?
Unfortunately, there is none to blame but the people themselves. There has been total indifference towards SOPs set out by the government for public at large. Public irrespective of government or private offices, mosques or shopping centres have not been taking precautions. And it was like an all normal situation everywhere. As a result the situation has turned alarming. President Dr Arif Alvi while expressing concern over the spike in COVID-19 cases in the country has urged the people to stick to voluntary discipline and observe all standard operating procedures.
In a tweet on Saturday, he said indicators are alarming. The President said that Muslim Ummah was built on discipline, especially in these trying times voluntary discipline, not imposed by state, is being demanded by me. Dr Arif Alvi said stay home, wear mask and wash hands. If desperate to go out keep distance. As latest stats suggest that during the past 24 hours, 118 more deaths have been reported due to the coronavirus infections and 5,611 new positive cases were reported in the country during the last 24 hours. While 55,128 tests were conducted and positivity ratio remained 1.17 percent and the death toll in the country has now reached 17,117.
On the other hand, a PAF special plane carrying 0.5 million consignment of SinoVac Vaccine has came back from China and according to NCOC, the consignment is procured on payment. While the walk-in vaccination of COVID-19 for the people between 60 and 64 years age started on Sunday.
Consequences of the indiscipline:
If there is no curve in the rising coronavirus cases till the Eid which is hardly 18 days away, the government will have no option but to resort to the policy of lockdowns irrespective of their types. Only self discipline in adhering to the SOPs is the key to win against a hidden enemy.