ALTHOUGH we are in the middle of the third Covid wave which seems to be deadlier than the previous ones, we seem to be taking it lightly, violating all standard operating procedures (SOPs) at schools, hospitals, mosques, hotels, public transport, parks, markets, or in cultural and religious congregations.

Sindh has announced the closure of schools, but why not restrict all public gatherings? A few days ago, I saw hundreds of pensioners standing in a long queue in front of the Johi branch of the National Bank of Pakistan. Needless to say, social distancing and masks were the last things on anybody’s mind in that crowd.

I urge the authorities concerned to announce the closure of hotels also where people are often seen violating SOPs.

Fahad Rind

Johi

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2021