The government has ended all COVID-19 related restricting across the country, claiming it has come close to eliminating the pandemic. The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), the nerve centre set up to handle all coronavirus responses, will also be shut down by end of the month.
All restrictions imposed during the pandemic have now been eased except for the mandatory vaccine regime. This has been deemed necessary so that the country can return to a normal, ordinary life as the coronavirus is unlikely to fizzle out completely anytime soon. Citizens have been instructed to continue receive vaccinations to keep themselves safe.
Pakistan has undoubtedly made huge progress since the past two years in handling the pandemic. Despite the initial hesitation, it has managed to vaccinate 87 percent of its eligible population with at least one dose. The nation has witnessed a consistent decline in cases and deaths, compelling the government to end all restrictions.
This does not however imply a complete victory over the coronavirus. China, where the virus supposedly originated, is experiencing the highest number of cases since the outbreak. Various cities across China have returned to lockdown and schools have been closed again. The threat may not be over but we have made huge strides to keep ourselves safe.
Many countries have now begun to treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease with control programs, surveillance and risk management. For example, people are using self-testing equipment and taking others measures in their own capacity. Countries such as UK, Denmark and Saudi Arabia have lifted restrictions while the US has ended mask rule.
US global health researcher Christopher Murray said that “Covid-19 will continue but the end of the pandemic is near”. This sums up the hopes of health authorities around the world. Countries now need a common approach to restore travel, trade and end border controls. The WHO, whose role was magnified during the pandemic, will be the logical place to work together.
We need to learn lessons from the pandemic in terms preparedness, strengthen public health system and its ability to handle the epidemic. A healthy population is necessary to address the needs of a pandemic and that should be responsibility of the government to consider the damaging health and economic effects.
