It has become a norm that once we start witnessing a decline in coronavirus cases, we tend to become rather indifferent to the pandemic. As the cases started falling, we reverted to our normal routine but are now facing another wave of the coronavirus.
Unlike much of the world, the situation in the country is much better and the government has allowed most economic activities. But now we have been warned over the fourth wave as early as July, just around the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha when people flock to crowded markets to purchase sacrificial animals. It is certain that the government will attempt to impose lockdown restrictions around Eid as it has done so on previous occasions.
The government reopened educational institutes for all levels amid the scorching summers and fears of the pandemic. Now weeks later, it is being forced to revisit its decision and is contemplating a summer break during the expected fourth wave. This is being contested by provincial ministers who want to conduct examinations and don’t want to give students a direct promotion. Meanwhile, the students have expedited efforts to cancel examinations like last year. The pandemic has cost the students dearly and continues to affect their academic careers.
Pakistan has allowed the gradual resumption of flights from several countries. They will require negative antigen tests but we have seen how mismanagement at airports allowed passengers to pass through. Pakistanis are facing travel restrictions and constant flight cancellations. Foreign airlines are unwilling to operate below capacity based on current regulations. Many Gulf Arab states, such as UAE, have banned arrivals from Pakistan despite the declining cases and have clubbed us with countries such as India, South Africa and Nigeria which are still reeling from virus variants. The world has not yet acknowledged that we have contained the pandemic.
The impending fourth wave is a reminder that the pandemic is not over yet. Our vaccination campaign continues on a bumpy road as we rely on Chinese vaccines. It is imperative we do not show a lax attitude towards the pandemic nor take any drastic decision which can imperil our lives.
