It’s almost two years since Pakistanis have been living their lives under the fear of the Covid-19 pandemic. The first case of coronavirus was reported from Karachi on February 26, 2020, and the government announced the lifting of all restrictions related to the pandemic on March 16, 2022. Mainly restrictions were imposed related to the coronavirus on weddings, indoor dining and markets. Now, a question that bothers everyone’s mind that whether the pandemic is over. In fact, a pandemic is not over rather modern science has enabled us to sail through the challenge with better medication. Secondly, the associated fear of the pandemic has waned. In other words, an end can occur not because a disease has been vanquished but because people grow tired of the panic mode and learn to live with a disease.
With the lifting of restrictions, the government has achieved a big milestone and the credit goes to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) for this success. This has been made possible due to an aggressive vaccination campaign launched by the government. Reportedly, 87 per cent of the eligible population has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine while 70pc have been fully vaccinated. Although we are close to the elimination of the pandemic, one should not forget that the pandemic is not over.
The persistent downward movement is promising. Still, the government needs to remain vigilant with vaccines, masks and other precautions to keep it going that way. Together, these mitigation actions serve to protect everyone, particularly those most at risk for severe illness. The possibility of resurfacing new variants of Coronavirus cannot be ignored. Foreigners infected with any variant of Coronavirus can be more lethal and can create havoc in the country. At this time, Pakistan cannot afford another surge in Corona cases. A measure of pandemic pro-activeness needs to be adopted to deal with any virulent form of the virus. After about two years of the pandemic, much more is emerging about the virus and vaccines. The government needs to avoid complacency and strive to keep the numbers in all areas going down: get recommended vaccines and boosters, wear masks when and where appropriate, and practice good hygiene.
