Duties in the time of COVID-19

No doubt, ball is in our court. It is we who have to perform duties and showcase responsibilities –social distancing. States are playing their role. Continuously on airing and disseminating updated information and data to create aware among people on precautionary measures. Besides, affected states are subsiding and approving economic bailout plans to bolster sinking economies. Establishment of quarantine centers is on move. Lock-down was the only preventive option left with states. State of citizen's responsibility in the time of COVID-19 is unlike expectations especially in Pakistan where government of Pakistan has. Purpose of lock-down, to limit citizen mobility, does seem failing as people are wandering, playing sports and joy at tea stalls in commercial areas. Youngsters have been playing hide and seek with law enforcement agencies. Since its inception, half shutter down sale is on. Marts at fuel pumps are functioning. Moreover, undercover marriage ceremonies are at peak. Perhaps, people have not taken it serious or their faith drive them. Fragile economy of laborer instigates them to react against government policies or they went out to earn without caring and violating rules made to protect their lives. Are we noxious adventuress? The current situation proves that we are noxious adventures. Our unnecessary mobility is not only putting hundreds at risk but also committing communal crime.   

Knowingly we are committing this crime. It is time to show social responsibility not harm others. Our vigilance and proactive behavior will help state to control the plague. It is life taking threat and mainstream media of the world is yelling with proven data that epidemic is rising with the time. Only in United America, death toll reached to 12000 and confirmed cases touched 400,000. Italian community has been self-quarantined since last two and half months and till date the have buried more than 16000 people. Negligence and none seriousness are the key reasons of pandemic in Italy. Italian government had urged people to practice social distancing before pandemic but the people were not behaving the way as we are responding to our government now a days.

Clock is ticking and published authentic data of the plague has reached to 4000 within 40-50 days. Rapid increase of confirmed cases would bring state of emergency in the country. Concurrent fragile economy does not abide the burden of hunger and unemployment. In spite of lock down stage, majority of people are not staying at home due to hand to mouth situation. Plunging income generation resources and the devaluing value of rupee is indicating economic recession or perhaps depression ahead. The impact of the pandemic is likely to be deep and far-reaching. It would be remembered in human history but, it is time to response the developed standards operating procedures of the state to encounter the pandemic. Stay home, maintain social distancing and social media counseling of acquaintances on the consequences of violating SOPs are our key responsibilities. It is the only salutation World Health Organization (WHO) recommended as no vaccination or treatment has been invented yet for this pandemic COVID-19.