The government has taken a number of unprecedented measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus but stopped short of declaring a national emergency. A high-level huddle of the National Security Committee (NSC) comprising the top civil and military leadership was held to devise a cohesive strategy for the deadly virus spreading rapidly across the world.
Among some of the major decisions include completely sealing the Western borders for two weeks, and screening all passengers who arrived from Iran and Afghanistan. All large public congregations including social, political and other gatherings have been banned. Conferences, festivals, meetings, and other events are being postponed or cancelled. The annual Pakistan Day parade had been called off well, while international flights will only operate from three airports.
All educational institutes have been closed till April 15 as parents became increasingly worried about their children’s health and how to keep them busy during the prolonged closures. In Sindh, summer vacations have been preponed and schools have been shut until May 30. Exams have been cancelled and students are left wondering how they will pass their courses. With no end in sight, it could be a long time before they return to their classrooms.
Sports have also been affected as the Pakistan Super League will now end early. The final has been brought a few days earlier, while many foreign players will be leaving the tournament. The remaining few matches will be held behind closed stadiums. Wedding halls, shrines, and cinemas are also being closed, while a decision is expected to be made on holding religious congregations.
The judicial system will also be affected as civil courts will be closed for three weeks. Judicial magistrates are requested to hold trials in jail. Inmates will not be allowed to meet their relatives, while all inmates will be screened as well. A media campaign will also be started to spread awareness on prevention measures and stop rumours and unreliable sources.
As the number of cases has now risen across the country, the WHO has warned that Pakistan faces greater challenges ahead to contain the viral outbreak. The global health agency said though Pakistan has a large underserved population in megacities and will face public health challenges.
There is hope that Pakistan’s aggressive efforts will work to suppress the outbreak. On the global front, the virus epicentre is now shifting from Europe to China. This is also uncertainty that even though the virus seems to be slowing down, there might be a resurgence and our resolve and patience will continue to be tested.
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