HYSTERIA, hoax, fear, biological warfare and conspiracy theories. These are the many facets of the frenzy being fanned in the midst of Covid-19 pandemic.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry has become a self-proclaimed doctor with a masters in medicine from WhatsApp. The virus is spreading fast through social media.

Flattening the curve is a simple concept which states that while the episodes of infections will happen, they should not all happen at once. This provides leeway to overburdened and under-resourced healthcare institutes to cater for medical needs, without declaring a stock-out.

In this current scenario, hats off to those on the frontline — medical practitioners, quarantine-imposers and sincere policymakers. Those who violate quarantine must realise that they are not only risking their lives, but also putting the lives of their family members and society at stake.

Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia has stopped circumambulation of Kaaba owing to coronavirus, while ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels examinations have been cancelled. Yet we still see crowds of people at mosques.

The voluntary quarantine must now be replaced by an effective one to be implemented by the army and Rangers as our public does not seem to be serious in taking this virus seriously.

The statistics and information are constantly changing, while there have been lots of rumours and fake news too on social media. We must be vigilant and quick in finding solutions to this menace because unlike the rest of the world, we have a larger population, limited healthcare facilities, and so much to lose.

M. A. Qureshi

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2020