Rethinking lockdown restrictions

As the nation observed a prolonged Eid break, the number of coronavirus cases spiked in the country. Although Eid this year around was rather different and lacked the unusual festivities, people did not hesitate to visit their friends and relatives while totally disregarding social distancing rules.

According to the latest estimates, the number of COVID-19 infections has surpassed a staggering 68,000 and is expected to rise even further in the coming days. The death toll in the country has crossed 1400 while many experts believe that we have not yet reached the peak.

Sindh reported the highest single-day jump as a record 1,247 cases were reported, while the province also reported the highest toll as 38 people lost their lives with a day. Pakistan’s local transmission rate is 92 percent which implies that most cases now being spread among us. Hospitals are full and many are unable to handle any more coronavirus patients.

Pakistan lifted lockdown restrictions abruptly and at a time when the number of infections were rising. The WHO had warned countries not to hurry in easing lockdown but rather make a phased process. The government initially refused to even impose a full lockdown and lifted it prematurely while telling us that we need to live with the virus.

Many countries that hurried to ease lockdown restriction saw a resurgence in coronavirus cases. India failed to strictly implement a lockdown and the number of case have reached 173,000 with over 5000 deaths. The same situation can be observed here where a resurgence is expected in the coming days.

The government has been left with no choice to reconsider lockdown restrictions. The ruling PTI has opposed a complete lockdown but could be forced to revisit its decision. A meeting of the National Coordination Committee, which comprises civil and military leadership, on June 1 will decide the next course of action.

The government insists that businesses and trading activities can be permitted if safety precautions and SOPs are followed. This is rather difficult in a society like ours when there is lack of civic sense and public responsibility. It is improbable to enforce the implementation of these regulations in public places.

Consequently, the government has a rather tough decision to make as the economy could be further worsened but it might have to swallow the bitter pill as the lives and health of countless people are at stake.