Most coronavirus-related restrictions have been lifted and now almost all businesses have been resumed, all educational institutions and offices have been opened, but health experts seem worried as according to them, corona cases may surge again and the third Covid wave can attack the whole country.
Health experts while talking to the media said that 1,176 Covid-19 cases were reported in 24 hours which is not a positive sign. As per their views, the government should prioritize people’s health instead of prioritizing financial issues. They advised lifting restrictions after 70 percent of the population gets vaccinated against the contagious disease.
Moreover, on 24th February, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) gave ease and allowed them to resume all activities related to offices, schools, commercial, and allowed them to operate fully. According to the orders, the time limit was granted to commercial activities, while the workplace can have only 50 percent of attendance. Schools are permitted to function 5 days a week with full attendance.
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Meanwhile, wedding ceremonies, shrines, and the opening of cinemas were fully allowed to function normally. But the decision regarding indoor dining is still pending, the meeting will be held on 10th March in this regard.
Spectators attending Pakistan Super League (PSL) were also increased from 20% to 50%, following the SOPs have been mandatory like wearing masks and safe distancing.
Dr. Qaisar Sajjad, Secretary-General of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) while talking to the media said: “our society does not follow the SOPs. They laugh at those wearing face masks. We have already observed the results of the lifting of restrictions in September last year when 100 to 200 daily cases were being reported, and within a month the government had to declare a second wave of coronavirus,” he said.
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“I believe that restrictions should be lifted after vaccinating 70% population as only then we can get herd immunity and save ourself from the third Covid wave. Just two weeks ago, three cases were reported in Melbourne, Australia. Though all three persons had arrived through foreign flights, but the whole Melbourne city was closed for five days. Unfortunately, we are taking even over 1,000 cases lightly,” he said.
