THE Punjab government’s nine-day Eidul Azha lockdown is a very sensible step. Whereas the number of Covid-19 cases has been falling, it would be dangerous to believe that the threat has disappeared. The virus is still lurking, ready to strike if we let down our guard. The closure of shopping plazas and other public areas, which restricts large gatherings, is a good idea not least because it suggests that the officials in charge are willing to take note of what they had earlier missed. The ill-founded generosity of the government on the occasion of Eidul Fitr had sent virus cases soaring. But for the liberties everyone took during the relaxed holiday mood that enjoyed full official approval, a few precious lives could have been saved and many more people could have avoided getting infected. With greater emphasis on isolation and social distancing at that critical time, we might have done even better than we claim we did.

Let us hope that the limitations on markets and other designated areas covered by the nine-day ban will help root out the virus soon and allow life to return to normal. Already, a huge price has been paid for the unavoidable circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Traders dependent on daily earnings for sustenance have, in particular, been severely hit. Many have packed up and numerous others are on the brink of bankruptcy, despite the government’s boast that it had handled all this smartly. It would be impossible for anyone to object to this latest lockdown, but it could have nonetheless been managed much more efficiently and without causing panic. The government waited till the eleventh hour, instead of announcing the closure a few weeks in advance to make it easier for both sellers and buyers, who were shocked at the sudden announcement. Apart from its abruptness, given that it covered the entire province as opposed to the earlier localised lockdowns, it may make more sense to call it an ‘essential’ rather than ‘smart’ lockdown.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2020