At the end of the general holidays for Eid-ul-Azha, it has been noted that there has been a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases as well as deaths in the country. This is indeed a cause of concern, as it means that government directives and health guidelines have not been followed.
The holiday of Eid-ul-Azha reportedly led to an increase in the spread of coronavirus due to increased movement of people. A large proportion of the population travels to their hometown from urban areas during Eid holidays. Though the government has discouraged city dwellers from travelling to their hometowns, majority did not heed these instructions. Moreover, most of the travellers used overcrowded buses, trains and launches, without maintaining any social distance and following health guidelines.
Local haats were also overcrowded as many went there to buy sacrificial animals and people also performed Eid prayers in large congregations disregarding social distancing. As a result, the infection rate has increased to 24.6 per cent in the last few days while it was 22.39 per cent before the Eid holidays. Considering the situation, it is imperative that the number of coronavirus tests be increased to closely monitor the situation. There is a need to expand the testing facilities further in order to get a better grasp of the whole scenario in the country.
Considering the situation, it is imperative that the
number of coronavirus tests be increased
to closely monitor the situation
In response to the worsening situation, the government issued an order extending countrywide restrictions on public activities and movements from August 4 to August 31 and gave a fresh 10-point directive. The new directives include keeping markets, shops, and shopping malls closed by 8:00pm; making sure there are temperature-checking and hand-washing facilities, sanitizers, and vehicle disinfecting services at the entries to shopping malls, etc. It also said that people will have to face legal action if they do not wear masks, maintain social distance and follow health guidelines while staying outdoors.
We hope that with increased testing and the new directives set by the government, the situation can be brought under control soon. Everyone must do their bits as well with a view to containing the virus.
