CONSIDERING that the second wave of Covid-19 has already started confronting shaken health systems across the world, Pakistan must remain on guard. While this country has mercifully dodged the devastation some of the world’s Covid hotspots have endured, there is no reason to be complacent. This was the thrust of the prime minister’s tweet on Sunday, in which Imran Khan urged people to wear masks in order to “avoid a spike”. Indeed, winter is approaching and viruses find a more favourable atmosphere to spread during colder weather. According to figures released by the National Command and Operation Centre, the number of active Covid-19 cases is nearing 9,500, whereas there were just over 6,000 cases last month. The Pakistan Medical Association has also sounded the alarm, saying that people’s relaxed attitudes may cause an increase in infections.

Soon after the threat Covid-19 posed to the national health system became clear earlier this year, different pillars of the state responded in different fashion. For example, the federal government was seen to be reacting slowly, whereas the Sindh administration was quick to announce lockdown measures. Though these measures severely affected daily life — with economic and educational routines paralysed — the pain was necessary and manageable, compared to what the situation may have looked like had Covid-19 spread rapidly in the country. With the right preventive measures and perhaps some luck, Pakistan escaped a catastrophic situation that many in our region — such as India and Iran — as well as those farther afield — the US and European states — had to face. However, the challenge the coronavirus poses has not gone. Wearing masks and following other SOPs, such as regular handwashing and social distancing, are indeed simple steps that can go a long way in keeping a second wave at bay. Moreover, with much of the public abandoning SOPs, there is a need to step up awareness campaigns and prevent crowding at workplaces, markets and educational institutions. And while larger lockdowns may be an option considering the severity of the situation, perhaps mini lockdowns can quickly be put in place in areas where a high number of infections are being reported. As the PMA has said, the fight against Covid-19 can only be won if people act responsibly and follow SOPs, and the state implements rules strictly. Pakistan must be ready to face the second wave and defeat it through preventive steps.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2020