PMA raises concerns over rise in Covid-19 cases

Published September 19, 2020
The association stated people in Pakistan did not follow SOPs and many recently opened educational facilities had been found to be flouting preventive guidelines.  — Reuters
The association stated people in Pakistan did not follow SOPs and many recently opened educational facilities had been found to be flouting preventive guidelines. — Reuters

KARACHI: Seeing an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan over the past two days, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned that the country might see a relapse of the coronavirus public health crisis if people continued to ignore standard operating procedures (SOPs) against the disease.

It also called upon the government to ensure strict implementation of SOPs, especially at public sector institutions.

“The National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) has reported 750 cases of new infections with nine deaths in two days. In addition, a large number of cases are being reported at educational institutions, which have just resumed their academic activities,” a PMA press release issued on Friday said.

Explaining the reasons behind the resurgence of Covid-19 cases, the association stated people in Pakistan did not follow SOPs and many recently opened educational facilities had been found to be flouting preventive guidelines.

So far, 35 academic facilities have been closed down across the country for violation of SOPs.

“Given these circumstances, the association believes that the situation can again turn serious, if the number of patients continued to grow that would ultimately put pressure on limited health facilities and medical staff. So far, the country has lost 126 health professionals to Covid-19.”

Asks govt to ensure strict implementation of safety guidelines, particularly at public sector institutions

The association emphasized that since no treatment was available for Covid-19, it’s important that compliance was ensured to preventive guidelines including maintaining hand hygiene, ensuring social distancing and wearing face masks at public spaces.

“All provincial education departments should postpone opening of classes scheduled for Sept 23 whereas the authorities concerned should carefully analyse the situation at educational institutions that have been opened. Children have been found to be less vulnerable to Covid-19 but they can be a source of disease transmission,” it added.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...