Daily Times

COVID-19 is a global tsunami. It has hit the two power engines driving the world: the USA and China. It has derailed their way of life and their economies. China has a handle on the situation and the USA is still besieged. Despite all the resources and technology, the USA is struggling with ways to contain this monster known as COVID-19. Pakistan needs to step out of its present mode, believing that we have a low infection count. The fact is you have not tested enough. It is an emergency and should be treated as such.

In a tsunami, advance warnings are possible. The sensible board up and move to safer grounds. The ignorant, like stupid surfers, continue to enjoy the rising waves. They are oblivious that this tide will blow them to smithereens. We see similar scenes in Pakistan and many other densely populated countries.

I was shocked to see visuals making rounds on media. A cluster of 50 guys reaching over each other to buy samosas. A gathering of hundreds of notables sitting in close proximity at the Governor House for oath-taking of Punjab’s new Chief Justice. Stupidity has no borders like coronavirus. Educated or otherwise.

The virus of ignorance does not stop there. It permeates serious levels of religious clergy. Sitting in a Mogul garden setting, looking very pious, they proclaimed that prayer congregations will continue. How bad does it get? Their words jarred my rational mind. FYI, COVID-19 has no religion, it is a non-believer. An infected devotee will pass it to the next person, no matter how pious. South Korea’s cluster started from a Church gathering.

Our Holy Prophet (peace be upon Him), promoted “hikmat”, which translates as wisdom and rationality. He would urge the Sahabah to pray at home when it rained. Woe on us for listening to these modern-day false claimants to this exalted legacy. Their religious guides in Saudi Arabia and Iran have restricted such gatherings.

It is an invisible enemy that does not discriminate. COVID-19 hits royals, celebrities, sports icons and the common man. It is focusing on the elders, yet not sparing the younger generation, from a new-born baby to a 94-year-old senior. The only way to survive and come out unharmed is to follow three simple prevention techniques. Avoid close contact and practise social distancing. Do not touch exposed hard surfaces. Wash hands with soap each time you step outside, and don’t touch your face until you have washed your face.

It is simple but is unimplemented. China and Korea blunted the spread by enforcing these precautions. Pakistan’s efforts on media are not bearing results. Given the size of our population and the lethal nature of this virus, I foresee dark days ahead unless bold corrective measures are taken. There can be, God forbid, a severe outbreak leading to paralysis of the health system or a serious clampdown, army taking a lead role, and possibly a curfew. It’s being done in the neighbouring India. Our undisciplined hordes need a stick.

Each patient is a potential risk, whether they show any symptoms or not. I salute the bravery and dedication of our healthcare workers, medics, paramedics and other staff

Amidst all this madness, our Pakistani healthcare givers are waging a selfless war against this ruthless invader of the human body. They are ill equipped, short on test kits, protective gear, and are overworked for the sacrifices they are making. In a battle you have an idea of the direction from which the bullets come; you have a front, a rear and flanks. In battling COVID-19 these professionals are fighting an invisible enemy.

Each patient is a potential risk, whether they show any symptoms or not. I salute the bravery and dedication of our healthcare workers, medics, paramedics and other staff. They are fighting on two fronts. Demanding but not getting resources, and yet dealing with scores of patients. They deserve our support. They are demoralised and many are on the verge of giving up. There is an immediate need to increase awareness of their sacrifices in a bold and loud voice. The 27th March event recognising these unsung heroes is a great step in that direction. But words are not enough.

There are three essentials for protection: masks and sanitisers, protective gear, and ventilators/respirators. I urge the government to get out of this “we-have-patients-and-we-don’t” mode and be proactive. We need to divert our existing manufacturing base to join this effort as a national cause or through use of emergency powers.

Improvisation is required. We have a huge and vibrant stitching and surgical industry. They should be directed to make masks and protective clothes. Ventilators require expertise. Get the drawing out of some creative innovators in Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot. They can produce components put together by Wah or other engineering firms. We have many distilleries. Like in the USA and Canada, they can be directed to provide alcohol-based sanitisers and cleaning fluids.

“Necessity is the mother of invention” is the English proverb depicting these times. Prime Minister Imran Khan needs to take charge of this challenge like he did when he went on the streets to raise funds for the Shaukat Khanum Hospital. He should ignore his flaky advisors.

Leaders define their legacy in dealing with the crisis. Prime Minister Imran Khan, please do it to safeguard our unsheltered health professionals. They deserve it. This will also prepare us for the lurking demons of an outright explosion of this infection. The figure of a 1000+ cases is totally deceptive; please don’t be fooled by it. There are thousands of infected carriers that have not been tested; by the time the symptoms show up it will be too late for many. The time to act is now.

The writer is the director of CERF, a non-profit, charitable organisation in Canada