RAWALPINDI: With health experts fearing the outbreak of the sixth wave of Covid-19, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being completely ignored in the markets, mosques and other public places in the country.

On Saturday, as many as 129 people with Covid-19 symptoms were quarantined at home, while 11 in Rawalpindi and 45 in Islamabad were confirmed having the virus.

Among the fresh cases, four arrived from Potohar town, three from Islamabad, two from Taxila and one each from Rawal Town and Attock.

Medical experts and the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) have warned of a surge in Covid-19 cases which may peak during Eidul Azha holidays.

It issued a new set of guidelines while requesting people to use face masks and practice social distancing. Eid prayers should be held in open space under stringent Covid-19 protocols.

However, in the last few days, shopping malls, bazaars and cattle markets have received large crowds, majority of whom were not following health protocols.

In the city and cantonment areas, cattle sellers and shopkeepers established kiosks and stalls selling animals, clothing, fabric and accessories on pavements and roads, blocking traffic.

Mohammad Riaz, a visitor to cattle market, said most people have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and getting infected again was almost impossible.

He said wearing mask in hot and sizzling weather was a difficult task.

Qamar Anjum, another shopper, said: “Eidul Azha is approaching and we have to buy animal and other items for our children which we cannot skip no matter if the market is crowded.”

On the other hand, Rawalpindi Traders Association President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha said the government had issued SOPs and they would implement them in the markets.

“The government should implement the SOPs in its offices and traders in their outlets,” he added.

He said Covid-19 would not spread in two or three days as more than 90pc population was immunised, adding that people should adopt safety measures and maintain social distancing while visiting bazaars.

However, District Health Officer Dr Waqar Ahmed said people had to adopt safety measures to avoid further spread of the deadly virus, adding that there was a dire need to vaccinate people.

He said the health authority took samples of 600 people from the cattle market on Friday to check the trend of Covid-19, adding that camps had also been established in the cattle markets and bazaars.

The DHO said 6,959,873 people, including 44,797 health workers, had been inoculated against the virus across the district since March 10, 2021.

As many as 46,964 people had been affected by Covid-19 and 1,335 died in the district since the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020.

A few days ago, Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel emphasised the importance of precautions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing, especially in crowded places.

He also highlighted the need to strictly follow the guidelines for managing markets for Eidul Azha.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2022