By: Lubna Aftab
Nearly 15,000 people around the world have now died of the disease, according to tally compiled by AFP official sources. Similarly, more than 341,000 people have been diagnosed with the infection, while nearly 92,000 have recovered. The figure is increasing day by day.
China has the highest reported cases of COVID-19, out of 81,171, people 73,159 recovered. In Iran, there have been 23,049 patients, with 1,182 casualties. Pakistanis working in Iran came back using Taftan border, resulting in the outbreak here. Around 875 got infected, 856 went under-observation but six lost their lives. Italy, a developed European country, reported the second highest coronavirus cases, with 63,927 and 50,418 active and 6,077 died. Around 177 countries including Spain, Germany, USA, France, UK, India, South Korea, Germany are also having cases of COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
Unknown till recently, COVID-19 suddenly came into being in Wuhan, China. Simply, it causes cough, temperature, breathing problem and finally failure of organs and end of life. Hundreds of people have rushed to hospital for checkup. It is a contagious disease spread through contact. People have got afraid and are in panic as many lost their family members to it.
What are People demanding?
People demand a vaccine. They request, the government and authorities to pay attention and show real concern and support to lives.
“The pandemic is accelerating,” WHO chief Tendros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference. In 341,000, it took 67 days to infect first 100,000 people worldwide. In comparison 11 days for the second and four days for the third 100,000 cases.
First case of COVID-19 was reported on 10 March and increased to 875 till present day in our country. Pakistanis show non-seriousness and ignore instructions from the government. Tissue papers, hand sanitizers and masks, they have bought all such things in abundance but still they are roaming in markets, and avoiding social distancing that is important.
People think why we should be afraid of corona? As the death rate is only 2%. The remaining 98% are consists of healthy people and those recovering from disease.
How does the disease become epidemic?
Once a person become a coronavirus victim, he/she might not have symptoms for a week; he or she walks around in shopping malls, offices, market, etc. In a blink of moment, it spread from one person to ten, hundreds and thousands abruptly. It increases more than the limit of a hospital and then here starts the crisis.
Have you ever thought a hospital of 100 patients’ capacity run over by 200 because of a single disease, how laboratory test disease? How infectants will be admitted and treated? On daily basis, diverse patients register in hospitals and doctors are on duty 24/7. Every patient needs related treatment. Advised medicine, safety measure and less interaction with people is real cure.
In Pakistan, recently 600 ventilators are available. In emergency, more ventilators imported. Corona patients and other such as heart, asthma, liver, coma etc. need ventilator facility.
Now think, if hospital volume unavailable what happen to victims receiving infection? Many of them need urgent treatment and cure but lose their lives due to sickbay size run-down.
Why we are emphasizing on precautions from Corona? Why we are declaring it an emergency?
Do you know, China is a first world and Pakistan is third world country? China is strong both economically and socially. Trade produce millions of dollar revenue. People obey instructions. Have strong faith in their government and health care centers. Kept social distancing and self-isolation. Level of health facilities to overcome the emergency situations.
On the other hand, Pakistan lacks latest health facilities. Weak economically, majority work on daily wages. That’s why we can’t go for a comprehensive lock-down as can’t survive even a few days. Pakistan’s economic losses due to corona has been estimated at Rs1.3 trillion.
What do we have to learn?
Victims can be our parents, children, siblings, relatives, neighbors, friends or even us. Know the demand of time otherwise we will be like Italians who announces that’s over age 80 and with detoriating health issue would be “Left to Die”. Take it seriously. People and government both have to work together to stop COVID-19 hazards and avoid gatherings, schools, colleges, offices, picnics etc.
So, are you ready to sacrifice your life or will you use your mind to take all such safety guidelines which not only save our lives but also our beloved ones?
Golden Words:
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said “if you hear the outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place where you are, do not leave that place”.
Anas ibn Malik (radi Allah anhu) reported that a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Tie her and trust in Allah.”
Abu Salamah reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no infection (without the decree of Allah). Do not mix the sick with the healthy.”
The bottom line is: act as a responsible member of society.
Lubna Aftab 