Lahore flouts Covid-19 SOPs amid fear of new viral spell

The detection of the first case of Omicron variant in a less developed region like Pakistan is alarming. In the past two years, the country has already faced many problems due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Unfortunately, a new form of Covid-19, known as the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1, has recently emerged in Pakistan. The first case of this infectious virus has been reported in the country earlier this week. This shocking information was announced by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on May 9. The NIH has been performing the duties regarding matters related to Covid-19 since the formal dissolution of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).

When the Covid-19 spread among the habitants of the country, initially, it did not lead to any serious consequences for public health.

Due to this impression, the threat posed by the Covid-19 was not taken seriously by the people and as a result of this societal attitude, the virus spread like ‘wildfire’, from one individual to another.

Pakistan suffered a major loss of life as well as huge economic setbacks. Hospitals were filled with Covid-19 patients. All of this happened due to non-compliance of the people with the SOPs issued by the government for the prevention of the virus. Potent SOPs such as mask wearing, social distancing and usage of hand sanitiser were deeply neglected and eventually Pakistan had to go through a health turmoil. And the government had no other option but to declare a complete shutdown of markets and other institutions all over the country. The previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government imposed a nationwide lockdown to control the rapid spread of the virus and a health emergency was declared all over the country.

During the lockdown, the country suffered from a heavy economic complication and the working class was significantly affected by the restrictions. All of this havoc happened because of the people’s non-serious attitude towards protecting themselves and their loved ones from the virus.

Taking to twitter, the (NIH) stated that the first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 was causing an increasing number of cases in different countries. The NIH in this tweet posted on May 9 advised the people to adopt precautionary steps and also suggested that besides wearing a face mask and getting immunised against the contagion is the best  measure to stay safe from this virus. The tweet further read, “We strongly recommend getting vaccinated and all those due for Covid-19 booster vaccines must get their shots immediately.’’

This is a very alarming situation and if it’s not handled properly or taken seriously by the people, just like the pandemic situation over the past two years, , then we might plunge into a more disastrous position this time around. Since the closure of the NCOC back in March this year, the NIH was given the charge of all the responsibilities such as collection, analysis of the data beside and essential roles and functions. According to the official data shared by the NIH, 64 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in the country. Since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, the people have not been following the required measures to avoid the virus.

Sahiwal Medical College (SMC) Principal Dr Imran believes that immediate conclusions based on a single reported case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 cannot be drawn as yet. “This will create panic among the people. Not every cold or flu is Covid-19.” Adding to this, the SMC principal further said that the severity of this Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 is generally less than other prior variants. “However, it may cause more mild diseases.”

While continuing, he also said, “It’s quite apparent we have to live with the virus; it’s just that we have to learn how to live with it. If the symptoms occur in someone, he should consult a doctor and if someone feels vulnerable to the disease, they should isolate himself from others and must get the shot of Covid-19 booster. Beside wearing face masks and maintaining social distance, people should consume a diet such as fruits especially citrus-rich ones. Foods which are enriched with Vitamin C boosts the immunity which is also necessary to fight the virus.”

han Raza Rizvi, who is currently serving in Children’s Hospital Lahore, told Bol News that not a single case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 has come to light in Children’s Hospital as of now. “But that doesn’t mean we should sit back and relax. Management should be improved so that we are ready to solve this problem with immediate effect.”

Rizvi further said that although the infectivity of this Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 is ‘quite piquant’ in nature and spreads very rapidly, its severity is ‘much lesser.’

“People should not panic if symptoms of flu and cold appear in their body and avoid the reckless use of antibiotics,” he advised.

Former Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid spoke to Bol News regarding the concerned issue and said, “We need to stay vigilant with the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. This should raise alarm bells as we already know how the earlier spread of the virus created havoc all around the world. Immediate and necessary steps should be taken by the incumbent government to avoid ‘medical chaos’ in this regard.”

The former minister appealed to the incumbent government to ‘put the NCOC back in practice’ with immediate effect. “Plans should be set in motion to collect reliable data and policy steps should be taken according to the collected data after analysis. The reported cases should be monitored regularly. By preparing in advance the government would be able to avoid the sudden pressure on the health sector.”

Moreover, people should take Covid-19 booster doses as well to avoid health emergencies, she warned. Punjab Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Bushra Anjum Butt stated that the strategy for tackling the upcoming ‘health peril’ was the utmost priority of the Punjab government to counter the spread of this newly emerged Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. “Once the leadership gets back from London, our government will propose a smooth and systematic plan to handle this problem. We have proven this in the past, by the way our previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had handled the dengue issue, that we can curb the spread of infectious diseases through good administrative management.”

Adding to this, the Punjab MPA further said that given the economic situation of Pakistan, we cannot afford a lockdown and we will make sure we don’t have to go to this extent by putting the relevant and necessary steps in motion before time. “We will dispense an awareness campaign among the people, which is to make them realise that we have to fight this disease as one nation and for that we need to get all media platforms across the country on board. This includes the mainstream media as well as social media.”

Butt added, “We will reactivate the local bodies as they are more aware of the situation of each union council at the grassroots level. Unfortunately, due to the on-going rift between the provincial assembly and the governor, the administrative aspect of Punjab is facing hindrance. This could lead the province into a critical medical situation in the wake of the recent spread of the virus’ sub-variant.”

While commenting on the current public rallies and processions, the PML-N MPA elaborated, “In my opinion, given the time and situation, these public rallies should be banned for the time being as they could prove to be the cause of the spreading of the new Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. We are open to sitting with members of the opposition on the concerned issue so that all the political parties come up with a collective plan to tackle this upcoming health peril.”

photo: Mohsin Raza/Bol News