Corona Pandemic

“Health is not valued till sickness comes.” (Thomas Fuller)

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of
comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.
Life is not smooth and easy. We have to go through the ups and downs of life to keep
pace with the world. Every day nature prepares new challenges for us in the form of
crisis, pandemics, diseases, and calamities.
"Don't pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."
(Bruce Lee)
The recent crisis that has affected the whole world is Corona Virus. It has
upended societies and dramatically altered everyday life across the globe. It is the
greatest challenge we have faced since World War II. Since its emergence in Asia late
last year, the virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica. The pandemic is
moving like a wave. By stressing every one of the countries it touches, it has the
potential to create devastating social, economic, and political crises that will leave deep
scars.
"Nothing in life is promised except death." (Kanye West)
Coronavirus gets its name from the way that it looks under a microscope.
The virus consists of a core of genetic material surrounded by an envelope with protein
spikes. This gives it the appearance of a crown. The word Corona means "crown" in Latin.
The coronavirus family causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe
diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East respiratory
syndrome.
"V_R_S: Only ‘I’ and ‘U’ can break the chain." (Stay Home & Stay Safe)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new coronavirus
outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, a pandemic. As of September 20, the
global death toll surpassed 957,000 amid more than 30.8 million cases. Over 21 million
people have been recovered from the disease worldwide, according to the data
collected by Johns Hopkins University in the United States.
"The trouble is you think you have time." (Buddha)
The virus was confirmed to have reached Pakistan on 26 February 2020,
when two cases were recorded (a student in Karachi who had just returned from Iran
and another person in the Islamabad Capital Territory). On 18 March, cases had been
registered in all the four provinces, the two autonomous territories, and Islamabad
Capital Territory.
 "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes." (Lao Tzu)
On June 15, 2020, daily new confirmed cases reached their peak, with
6,825 new cases recorded, but since then, new daily cases and the percentage of people
testing positive have trended downwards. In late June 2020, the number of active cases
in Pakistan stabilized, and beginning in July 2020, started showing a significant decrease.
"Pain and death are part of life to reject them is to reject life itself."
(Havelock Ellis)
The province of Sindh has recorded the most cases and most deaths due
to COVID-19. The country was put under a nationwide lockdown from April 1, and
extended twice until May 9. Upon its end, the lockdown was eased in phases.
"When a Muslim is sick, the sins fall away just as fire purifies gold."
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW)
Evidence is still emerging, but current information is indicating that
human-to-human transmission is occurring. The routes of transmission of COVID-19
remain unclear at present, but evidence from other coronaviruses and respiratory
diseases indicate that the disease may spread through large respiratory droplets and
direct or indirect contact with infected secretions. The incubation period of COVID-19 is
currently understood to be between 2 to 14 days.
"COVID-19 will reshape our world. We don't yet know when the crisis will end."
Typically, coronaviruses are present with respiratory symptoms. Those
who do develop symptoms may have a mild to moderate, but self-limiting disease with
symptoms similar to the seasonal flu. Symptoms may include respiratory symptoms,
fever, cough, breathing difficulties, fatigue, sore throat.
"Tough time never last, tough people do." “It is health that is real wealth and
not pieces of gold and silver.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
The Pakistani Government has advised following the basic preventative
measures to protect against the new coronavirus. Stay up-to-date with the latest
information on the COVID-19. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes,
nose, and mouth. Practice respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent
elbow or tissue and then immediately disposing of the tissue. Wear a medical mask if
you have respiratory symptoms. Maintain social distancing (approximately 2 meters)
from individuals with respiratory symptoms.
"Stay home, don't panic.
Beat the pandemic.”
 The Government of Pakistan handled this difficult situation heroically and
came to the rescue of the nation. The national carrier, PIA decided to suspend the flight
operation between Pakistan and China due to the outbreak. The Pakistan Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) introduced screening measures at major airports. Pakistan also stopped
all international flights, except those at Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore airports.
"The real mechanism for corporate governance is the active involvement of the
owners."
It was also decided on 13 March at the National Security Council meeting
with Prime Minister, Imran Khan that all schools and universities would be closed.
However, the faculty and staff would go to work as usual. The lectures and classes
would be held online. The government decided to close all shopping malls, banquets,
restaurants, and other public gathering places. The health ministry announced that 14
metric tons of equipment including face masks, thermometers, gloves, and gowns had
been dispatched to Pakistan.
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” (Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
Chairing a meeting, the Prime Minister asked the provincial governments
to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers who were trying to exploit the
ongoing crisis. The Prime Minister approved an economic relief package of Rs. 1.2. Of
this, a total of Rs 150 billion was allotted for low-income groups, particularly labourers
while 280 billion rupees were assigned for wheat procurement.
"It's all about finding calm in the chaos." (Donna Karan)
Every cloud has a silver lining. While we know that it has been a
challenging time for the people, there have also been some positive changes that have
happened. There is a shocking decrease in air pollution, fossil fuel usage, and ozone
depletion. People are getting an average of 17 minutes more sleep each night. This
lockdown has enabled people to be more in touch with their friends and family than
before. It is commonly thought that time spent alone provides an opportunity to stop
and reflect.