CONFIRMED Covid-19 cases in the country appear to be falling, but it is no time to be complacent. Daily cases have reportedly decreased by 30pc since the peak on June 17, when the country reported the highest daily average. The national positivity ratio came down to around 6pc this week, but it remains to be seen how infections have spread during Muharram, especially the first 10 days, when mourners in their thousands gathered both inside imambargahs and for Ashura processions. Mass gatherings of this nature can cause the virus to spread rapidly due to the close proximity of people, many without face coverings. The authorities must remain vigilant about monitoring cases, hospitalisations and infection spread to ensure that swift action is taken in case there is another peak. If Pakistan is able to avoid a high number of critically ill patients and an overwhelmed healthcare system, resources must be directed towards understanding what factors prevented an all-out outbreak. This data is critical, as it will enable the authorities to explain to the public that there is no miracle immunity but factual reasons behind the rise and fall in infection rates. As the authorities observe the post-Muharram virus trend, it is vital that the government to ramp up vaccinations, increase mass testing and spread awareness about SOPs.
While attention is given to monitoring, data gathering and vaccine availability, healthcare workers must not be forgotten. In the last year and a half of the pandemic, doctors, nurses and hospital staff have made incredible sacrifices to treat patients and provide care. Despite being vulnerable to infections themselves, front-line workers have shown up and fulfilled their responsibilities with incredible stoicism. It is therefore important to reward, protect and support them. The fact that the Corona Experts Advisory Group is proposing a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for fully vaccinated healthcare workers in hospitals because of their exposure to the infection is a welcome move. Data shows that despite double vaccinations, reinfection is a serious possibility — especially as healthcare workers are exposed to high viral loads. The federal government’s initiative to launch MyCare, an app that will provide mental health support to healthcare workers, too, is a laudable effort. By evaluating their stress condition and connecting them with health professionals, this platform, if built comprehensively, can provide some relief to the front-line heroes that have gone beyond the call of duty to provide care and therapy to patients.
Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2021