Karachi:Government has announced to open almost all sectors in Pakistan from 08th August which were shut down to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. According to the announcement, schools and marriage halls would open in September. Government is opening all sectors for the betterment of people, but it should save the people both from the Corona virus pandemic and the worsening economic conditions.
This was stated by Secretary General, Pakistan Medical Association (Centre), Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad, in a statement. He said it was appreciable that the government would review the situation before opening schools. We suggest that Corona test (antibodies test) of all the staff including van drivers and attendants should be done before opening of educational institutes because one infected person can spread the disease to the whole institution. Moreover, it is suggested to open the educational institutes stepwise, so primary and pre-primary classes should be opened in the last.
He said PMA was surprised over the decision to open all sectors at a same time. We are still under quarantine period for monitoring corona cases after Eid-ul-Azha, and after five to six days we will be able to know how many new cases have emerged after Eid. We believe that government has done this decision in haste because our upcoming festivals like Independence Day, Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awal are very close. This decision should have been made after these festivals.
He said Majalis, processions and religious gatherings would be held during Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awal. It has been observed that 80 to 85% people do not follow SOPs nowadays. Even in the government offices, people do not adopt preventive measures. It is the responsibility of the government to implement SOPs strictly.
Dr Qaisar explained that other countries eased their lockdowns and opened different sectors at a time when their cases decreased. Now again cases have increased in the second phase in the countries like United States, U.K, Brazil, Australia, China and South Korea.
“It is fact that number of cases of coronavirus and number of deaths are decreasing in Pakistan from the month of July but unfortunately as per our information the number of cases are increasing in Skardu, Gilgit and other nearby areas. WE are scared that our graph may not increase again. It could increase the burden over our hospitals and healthcare workers like it happened after Eid-ul-Fitr. According to PMA’s report 101 doctors and 24 paramedics have got shahadat during this war against Coronavirus” he added.
He once again request People to follow SOPs and continuously adopt preventive measures. Wear mask, keep social distance, wash or sanitize your hands, avoid going out and avoid going into crowds. Public should support the government to normalize the life and economic conditions in Pakistan by continuing their jobs with SOPs and honesty.
He said PMA believes that government should feel its responsibility and implement the SOPs strictly. Government should maintain the economic activities and should also keep the public safe from coronavirus. We hope it doesn’t turn out that deadly virus would eliminated from the world but continue to exists in Pakistan. again we will have to face restrictions for travelling abroad.