THIS is with reference to the news report ‘Pakistan sees second-highest death toll in a day from virus’ (Dec 17). We are a nation where the majority of people still believe that Covid-19 does not exist. The situation in villages is even worse where people consider this disease to be a political gimmick. Some people associate virus containment with rainfall which is simply ridiculous. If that was so, why are there so many casualties in the United Kingdom where it rains almost every day, or in India during the last monsoon?

After the first wave cooled down, people have, unfortunately, become complacent. As such, it is mandatory to impose fines on those who violate the SOPs. Anyone’s death is a great loss, and, as John Donne wrote: “for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

To stop the spread of the pandemic, wedding ceremonies should only include mandatory functions, such as ‘nikah’ followed by ‘rukhsati’ from home, and then a ‘valima’ meal the following day. There should be a complete ban on ‘mehndi’ and ‘baraat’ functions. The reception must not allow more than 100 people. This will help minimise the spread of the virus.

Restaurants should introduce disposable food service items, such as crockery and cutlery, to control the transfer of virus through contact with infected surfaces. A strict ban should be imposed on all political gatherings that act as super-spreader events.

Lastly, wearing masks should be made mandatory at all public places where social distancing is not possible.

Sadia Malik
Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2020