The latest Coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan can lead to a severe country situation. The risk of aggravation is very real, with 237 cases reported so far, and drastic steps are crucial.
Airlift has agreed to shut down its operation to flatten the curve, recognizing its public service obligation. The majority of the people rely on Airlift as a transport mode, and that is one of the key reasons why the organization has chosen to stop, to remove the chance of carrying passengers and to make the curve worse.
Globally too, public transportation has been declared high-risk as people to people contact is more probable. Keeping that in mind, Airlift’s decision to put the health of citizens above profitable gains in these trying times is refreshing.
It is of utmost importance that this decision to halt public engagements and services is taken on the government level as well. The onus, however, is not on the government alone. Public service organizations, as well as get-together joints, should understand the situation and take responsible actions to mitigate this global pandemic.
With limited testing kits available for this disease and the check-ups limited to voluntary testing only, the situation can turn quite grave. So far, 237 cases have been reported country-wide and keeping in mind the way this pandemic has spread in other countries such as China, Italy, Spain, and the United States; a public shutdown should be encouraged.
