Planning Minister Asad Umar is right that the next 10 days are going to be crucial as far as a resurgence, or not, of the coronavirus is concerned. It was the buildup to last Eid, after all, that led to the swollen numbers that all but overwhelmed the official capacity just a few months ago. And this was rightly the top concern when authorities opted for the selected lockdown – keeping people at suitable distance from each other when they go out for Eid shopping, etc. So far the authorities seem to have it sorted out pretty well. Reported numbers are still pretty low and there is every reason to hope that, should every just follow all the rules now, there is not going to be much of a problem because of the activities related to this Eid.
Since all provincial chief secretaries have been given special instructions to ensure implementation of health guidelines and SOPs issued for bazaars and cattle markets, all eyes will now be on the bureaucracy on how it implements this crucial order. These days are, quite literally, the make or break moment in the country’s war against the pandemic. It was not easy to come back strong after the initial surge sent the country into shock, but it was a job well done. Now, the last thing the country needs is yet another spike just because of the negligence of a few people or irresponsibility of some officers.
Yet no matter how hard the government tries, it is eventually up to the people to implement the most serious social safety protocols by themselves. No state has the manpower to police all its citizens, especially about something as basic as maintaining safe distance in such times. Indeed, one reason last Eid was such a disappointment on this front was the people’s attitude. That, far more than the government’s efforts was to blame for what followed and the high number of people that got infected and killed. And, to avoid a repeat, the most important part will be played by us as we go shopping for dresses, gifts and sacrificial animals. It is also important to note that the result card of these ten days will not be delivered immediately after Eid. We will have to wait another fortnight, at least, to see how well we have done.
