My experience with the COVID-19 pandemic and the way forward for Pakistan

[Mamoon]

The past two months have been the most challenging period of my professional career. Having spent time with COVID patients from close quarters, I would like to share my experience of the pandemic and what could be the way forward for the country.

This thread is not intended for doctors and medical practitioners so I would try my best to avoid medical jargon and not get technical. I would also refrain from discussing treatment here because it is not the appropriate platform for this discussion.

The role of the government so far:

The government of Pakistan has copped a lot of blame and criticism over the way they have handled the spread of COVID-19 and most of the criticism has been justified.

While the PM is right about the fact that our public cannot survive in a total lockdown situation for long, that does not justify the lack of coordination between the provinces and the federal government and the inability of the authorities to deal with the right wing.

As most of you know already, the Tabligh-i-Jamaat have played a big role in the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. On March 10, thousands of people attended the assembly in Raiwind. In addition, the government’s failure to ban congregational prayers have also contributed to the spread of the virus.

The spike in the number of cases and deaths over the last few days is a direct consequence of the country-wide Eid prayers which should have been banned, and the numbers are only going to increase over the next two weeks.

Mosques are extremely high risk because most people do not wear masks while praying and it is not possible to maintain social distancing. This pandemic has once again highlighted how the clergy are basically a state within a state.

Pakistan was in a rather unique position where it was hit by COVID-19 rather late and it already saw the damage it did to first world countries. There is no doubt at all that they could have done a lot more.

The public perception:

While the government have made mistakes, the nonchalant attitude of the masses have only made things worse.

Unfortunately, the majority of the public can be divided into 3 groups:

(1) “This is a conspiracy” group
(2) “nothing will happen to me” group
(3) “we will die anyway” group

Our nation has a natural tendency towards conspiracy theories. In spite of all that has happened around the globe, there are people who are still adamant that this is merely a hoax designed by the western media to malign China and create fear among the public. These people justify their irrationality by stating that they don’t know anyone who has caught this virus.

The latest conspiracy theory is that WHO pays hospitals thousands of dollars if they report COVID-19 deaths, which is why if you go to the hospital they will declare you positive even if you are not.

The second group is comprised of people who think they have special immunity towards COVID-19. This group mostly consists of young people who have convinced themselves that this virus is lethal only if you are old or weak.

It is indeed true that young and healthy people are low risk and most of the patients are middle age of elderly people, but we need to realize that low risk is not the same as no risk. Moreover, a young person is very likely to pass the virus to a vulnerable older person. We need to think of the whole community and not only for ourselves.

By taking precautionary measures, you are not only protecting yourself but people around you. Asymptomatic people carry the highest risk of spreading the virus, which is why it is absolutely crucial to think about the people around you.

The third group consists of people who do not believe that COVID-19 is a conspiracy and do not believe that they are invincible, but they are still casual about it. Their justification is that if it is their fate to die due to COVID-19, it will happen no matter how careful they are.

How to live with COVID-19 and the way forward:

COVID-19 will not go away any time soon and the world will have to move on. However, moving on and living with COVID-19 does not mean that we should not take precautions.

When the government ended the so-called smart lockdown before Eid, the public went into a frenzy and acted as if the pandemic was over. The markets were flooded and it appeared that people have no problem catching the virus as long as they could get their hands on new Eid clothes.

We have no choice but to adjust our lifestyle to a significant extent otherwise everyone of us will be infected eventually and we don’t know how many of us will die.

The anti-mask propaganda:

I can’t stress on this enough. It is absolutely necessary to wear masks regardless of the type/quality. The cheapest mask is still much better than no mask.

Unfortunately, a lot of people have bought into the nonsense that masks are not necessary unless you have tested positive which is absolutely wrong.

Wearing masks will decrease your chances of catching the virus and it will also protect other people if you are asymptomatic.

Use of hand sanitizers:

It is very important to understand that hand sanitizers should only be used by people when they are not at home, i.e. doctors on duty and people when they go to public places.

Please don’t waste sanitizers by using them at home. Simply washing your hands with soap - preferably an antibacterial one - is sufficient.

What measures can the government take to curb the spread at this stage?

Impose fines and penalties on people that do not wear masks. There has been considerable discussion on this matter but the government has yet to make a decision. We cannot afford indecisiveness and the government must act now.

SOPs should be more than just a buzzword. The government can use this word a dozen times but as long as they are unable to implement it effectively, things will only get better.

The government cannot enforce it to perfection but it can do a lot more to ensure compliance, and that will only happen if there are consequences for lack of compliance.

Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar are epicenters of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Both public and private hospitals are now saturated. Private hospitals were slow to open their doors to the pandemic and were only forced to do so when the public hospitals started to work at full capacity, but now even they are working at full capacity.

We are now reaching a point that we feared a month ago, and unless the public cooperates, things will only get worse. There can be no lockdown and things will move on, which is we all need to look after ourselves which will not only save our lives but also those of others.

 

[ManFan]

Thank you for your service.

 

[Savak]

First of all may Allah bless you and continue to keep you safe. Your role and service in trying to help patients who suffered from this virus and serving on the front lines will never be forgotten. Your suggestions are spot on and while we in Pakistan cannot lock down the economy, the federal and provincial govt's need to issue a directive that people not wearing masks, people blatantly disrespecting social distancing guidelines and being inconsiderate to their fellow citizens will be subject to bankrupting fines, arrests and the police, armed forces should be empowered to act. Gatherings in Mosques if impossible to eliminate should be restricted with maximum social distancing maintained as is happening in other countries.

Society has to learn to carry on and live under the threat of this virus. But there is no doubt that the world even a vaccine is found and the whole thing blows over will not be what we remember it to be before. Businesses and Organizations will reasses whether there is a need to lease expensive offices and buildings if employees can indeed work from home, its a two edged sword, while employers complain that they are unable to micromanage employees like they did and find it hard to coordinate things among employees, managers, team vs being in an office environment, they admit that the cost saving in terms of not having to pay exhorbitant leases, rents, office telephone bills, electricity bills and some salaries is massive. On the other hand, employees admit that being able to work from home has enabled them to save up on fuel, vehicle repairs and maintenace, insurance, eating out during lunch hours, coffee costs, commuting time but then they complain about the frustrations of having to balance watching over their kids, house work while working during 9 to 5 from home so its a two edged sword.

I think without a doubt a lot of businesses i.e. resteraunts, grocery stores, other stores, hospital and medical practices, gyms and even people in general are definately going to be more health conscious, hygiene conscious. People's spending and consumption habits might change and people may try to save up, have maximum amount of liquid funds aside for a rainy day to deal with any unforseen crisis going forward.

Personally i am fine with life as of now. I just wish i had access to a gym because there are certain excercises which are done best with the help of machines, and a swimming pool mostly. I miss the luxury of being able to go to a resteraunt, cafe but those i can live without.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

The worst are the well to do group of people who are still going out for dinners, gatherings etc. There is absolutely no reason to leave the house for things like this. Have some sense of social responsibility you idiots.

 

[last_knight]

Very well written.
We are now at a stage where everyone with symptoms should not wait for the result of test and should consider him/her Covid +ve untill proven otherwise by test.
This approach from individuals of delaying to adopt SOPs untill result of test is not working.

Dynamics have changed in last 15 days.
Prior to Eid, for anyone with symptoms, test was used to confirm before labelling someone as a positive cases. Now anyone with symptoms should be mannaged as positive case untill proven otherwise by test.

 

[Slog]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]- you totally ignored the role of returnees from pilgrimage to Iran who spread it the most actually

 

[161]

Cases and deaths are quickly growing in Pakistan and in India.

I had the hope because of climate and BCG vaccine the virus could be subdued in South Asia but it does not appear to.

People need to wear masks and avoid unnecessary gatherings.

 

[Halaribo]

The past two months have been the most challenging period of my professional career. Having spent time with COVID patients from close quarters, I would like to share my experience of the pandemic and what could be the way forward for the country.

This thread is not intended for doctors and medical practitioners so I would try my best to avoid medical jargon and not get technical. I would also refrain from discussing treatment here because it is not the appropriate platform for this discussion.

The role of the government so far:

The government of Pakistan has copped a lot of blame and criticism over the way they have handled the spread of COVID-19 and most of the criticism has been justified.

While the PM is right about the fact that our public cannot survive in a total lockdown situation for long, that does not justify the lack of coordination between the provinces and the federal government and the inability of the authorities to deal with the right wing.

As most of you know already, the Tabligh-i-Jamaat have played a big role in the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. On March 10, thousands of people attended the assembly in Raiwind. In addition, the government’s failure to ban congregational prayers have also contributed to the spread of the virus.

The spike in the number of cases and deaths over the last few days is a direct consequence of the country-wide Eid prayers which should have been banned, and the numbers are only going to increase over the next two weeks.

Mosques are extremely high risk because most people do not wear masks while praying and it is not possible to maintain social distancing. This pandemic has once again highlighted how the clergy are basically a state within a state.

Pakistan was in a rather unique position where it was hit by COVID-19 rather late and it already saw the damage it did to first world countries. There is no doubt at all that they could have done a lot more.

The public perception:

While the government have made mistakes, the nonchalant attitude of the masses have only made things worse.

Unfortunately, the majority of the public can be divided into 3 groups:

(1) “This is a conspiracy” group
(2) “nothing will happen to me” group
(3) “we will die anyway” group

Our nation has a natural tendency towards conspiracy theories. In spite of all that has happened around the globe, there are people who are still adamant that this is merely a hoax designed by the western media to malign China and create fear among the public. These people justify their irrationality by stating that they don’t know anyone who has caught this virus.

The latest conspiracy theory is that WHO pays hospitals thousands of dollars if they report COVID-19 deaths, which is why if you go to the hospital they will declare you positive even if you are not.

The second group is comprised of people who think they have special immunity towards COVID-19. This group mostly consists of young people who have convinced themselves that this virus is lethal only if you are old or weak.

It is indeed true that young and healthy people are low risk and most of the patients are middle age of elderly people, but we need to realize that low risk is not the same as no risk. Moreover, a young person is very likely to pass the virus to a vulnerable older person. We need to think of the whole community and not only for ourselves.

By taking precautionary measures, you are not only protecting yourself but people around you. Asymptomatic people carry the highest risk of spreading the virus, which is why it is absolutely crucial to think about the people around you.

The third group consists of people who do not believe that COVID-19 is a conspiracy and do not believe that they are invincible, but they are still casual about it. Their justification is that if it is their fate to die due to COVID-19, it will happen no matter how careful they are.

How to live with COVID-19 and the way forward:

COVID-19 will not go away any time soon and the world will have to move on. However, moving on and living with COVID-19 does not mean that we should not take precautions.

When the government ended the so-called smart lockdown before Eid, the public went into a frenzy and acted as if the pandemic was over. The markets were flooded and it appeared that people have no problem catching the virus as long as they could get their hands on new Eid clothes.

We have no choice but to adjust our lifestyle to a significant extent otherwise everyone of us will be infected eventually and we don’t know how many of us will die.

The anti-mask propaganda:

I can’t stress on this enough. It is absolutely necessary to wear masks regardless of the type/quality. The cheapest mask is still much better than no mask.

Unfortunately, a lot of people have bought into the nonsense that masks are not necessary unless you have tested positive which is absolutely wrong.

Wearing masks will decrease your chances of catching the virus and it will also protect other people if you are asymptomatic.

Use of hand sanitizers:

It is very important to understand that hand sanitizers should only be used by people when they are not at home, i.e. doctors on duty and people when they go to public places.

Please don’t waste sanitizers by using them at home. Simply washing your hands with soap - preferably an antibacterial one - is sufficient.

What measures can the government take to curb the spread at this stage?

Impose fines and penalties on people that do not wear masks. There has been considerable discussion on this matter but the government has yet to make a decision. We cannot afford indecisiveness and the government must act now.

SOPs should be more than just a buzzword. The government can use this word a dozen times but as long as they are unable to implement it effectively, things will only get better.

The government cannot enforce it to perfection but it can do a lot more to ensure compliance, and that will only happen if there are consequences for lack of compliance.

Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar are epicenters of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Both public and private hospitals are now saturated. Private hospitals were slow to open their doors to the pandemic and were only forced to do so when the public hospitals started to work at full capacity, but now even they are working at full capacity.

We are now reaching a point that we feared a month ago, and unless the public cooperates, things will only get worse. There can be no lockdown and things will move on, which is we all need to look after ourselves which will not only save our lives but also those of others.

There is literally nothing in this post that any of us couldn't have written. Talk about stating the obvious.

If you're a doctor, how about you give us some insight as to what's been happening in your hospital in particular, the problems you've seen, the success stories, how hospital administration is dealing with this crisis.

Then you can expand onto shared knowledge and processes between the hospitals nationally and what has been considered best practice.

I find it perplexing you choose to leave out the details that would give your post the most credibility.

 

[161]

There is literally nothing in this post that any of us couldn't have written. Talk about stating the obvious.

If you're a doctor, how about you give us some insight as to what's been happening in your hospital in particular, the problems you've seen, the success stories, how hospital administration is dealing with this crisis.

Then you can expand onto shared knowledge and processes between the hospitals nationally and what has been considered best practice.

I find it perplexing you choose to leave out the details that would give your post the most credibility.

Of particular note I'd like to know if there is a cover up at all.

Are Covid deaths being not reported ?

Also how many people have the disease and are not or cannot get medical care ?

 

[Halaribo]

Also to add, your thread title and your post are completely unrelated.

You just posted a summary of the last 2 months of news and discussion.

What were your experiences???

 

[Bewal Express]

The past two months have been the most challenging period of my professional career. Having spent time with COVID patients from close quarters, I would like to share my experience of the pandemic and what could be the way forward for the country.

This thread is not intended for doctors and medical practitioners so I would try my best to avoid medical jargon and not get technical. I would also refrain from discussing treatment here because it is not the appropriate platform for this discussion.

The role of the government so far:

The government of Pakistan has copped a lot of blame and criticism over the way they have handled the spread of COVID-19 and most of the criticism has been justified.

While the PM is right about the fact that our public cannot survive in a total lockdown situation for long, that does not justify the lack of coordination between the provinces and the federal government and the inability of the authorities to deal with the right wing.

As most of you know already, the Tabligh-i-Jamaat have played a big role in the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. On March 10, thousands of people attended the assembly in Raiwind. In addition, the government’s failure to ban congregational prayers have also contributed to the spread of the virus.

The spike in the number of cases and deaths over the last few days is a direct consequence of the country-wide Eid prayers which should have been banned, and the numbers are only going to increase over the next two weeks.

Mosques are extremely high risk because most people do not wear masks while praying and it is not possible to maintain social distancing. This pandemic has once again highlighted how the clergy are basically a state within a state.

Pakistan was in a rather unique position where it was hit by COVID-19 rather late and it already saw the damage it did to first world countries. There is no doubt at all that they could have done a lot more.

The public perception:

While the government have made mistakes, the nonchalant attitude of the masses have only made things worse.

Unfortunately, the majority of the public can be divided into 3 groups:

(1) “This is a conspiracy” group
(2) “nothing will happen to me” group
(3) “we will die anyway” group

Our nation has a natural tendency towards conspiracy theories. In spite of all that has happened around the globe, there are people who are still adamant that this is merely a hoax designed by the western media to malign China and create fear among the public. These people justify their irrationality by stating that they don’t know anyone who has caught this virus.

The latest conspiracy theory is that WHO pays hospitals thousands of dollars if they report COVID-19 deaths, which is why if you go to the hospital they will declare you positive even if you are not.

The second group is comprised of people who think they have special immunity towards COVID-19. This group mostly consists of young people who have convinced themselves that this virus is lethal only if you are old or weak.

It is indeed true that young and healthy people are low risk and most of the patients are middle age of elderly people, but we need to realize that low risk is not the same as no risk. Moreover, a young person is very likely to pass the virus to a vulnerable older person. We need to think of the whole community and not only for ourselves.

By taking precautionary measures, you are not only protecting yourself but people around you. Asymptomatic people carry the highest risk of spreading the virus, which is why it is absolutely crucial to think about the people around you.

The third group consists of people who do not believe that COVID-19 is a conspiracy and do not believe that they are invincible, but they are still casual about it. Their justification is that if it is their fate to die due to COVID-19, it will happen no matter how careful they are.

How to live with COVID-19 and the way forward:

COVID-19 will not go away any time soon and the world will have to move on. However, moving on and living with COVID-19 does not mean that we should not take precautions.

When the government ended the so-called smart lockdown before Eid, the public went into a frenzy and acted as if the pandemic was over. The markets were flooded and it appeared that people have no problem catching the virus as long as they could get their hands on new Eid clothes.

We have no choice but to adjust our lifestyle to a significant extent otherwise everyone of us will be infected eventually and we don’t know how many of us will die.

The anti-mask propaganda:

I can’t stress on this enough. It is absolutely necessary to wear masks regardless of the type/quality. The cheapest mask is still much better than no mask.

Unfortunately, a lot of people have bought into the nonsense that masks are not necessary unless you have tested positive which is absolutely wrong.

Wearing masks will decrease your chances of catching the virus and it will also protect other people if you are asymptomatic.

Use of hand sanitizers:

It is very important to understand that hand sanitizers should only be used by people when they are not at home, i.e. doctors on duty and people when they go to public places.

Please don’t waste sanitizers by using them at home. Simply washing your hands with soap - preferably an antibacterial one - is sufficient.

What measures can the government take to curb the spread at this stage?

Impose fines and penalties on people that do not wear masks. There has been considerable discussion on this matter but the government has yet to make a decision. We cannot afford indecisiveness and the government must act now.

SOPs should be more than just a buzzword. The government can use this word a dozen times but as long as they are unable to implement it effectively, things will only get better.

The government cannot enforce it to perfection but it can do a lot more to ensure compliance, and that will only happen if there are consequences for lack of compliance.

Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar are epicenters of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Both public and private hospitals are now saturated. Private hospitals were slow to open their doors to the pandemic and were only forced to do so when the public hospitals started to work at full capacity, but now even they are working at full capacity.

We are now reaching a point that we feared a month ago, and unless the public cooperates, things will only get worse. There can be no lockdown and things will move on, which is we all need to look after ourselves which will not only save our lives but also those of others.

Firstly, welcome back and your experience is well worth hearing. For me IK should have not backed down against the Maulvi, they are in it for themselves and the mosques should have stayed close like in the UK. I agree with you point on masks and the fact that we have to accept its here to stay. Your political point on the Centre and Provinces falls a little flat because its the Sindh govt that has tried to use the virus as a bargaining chip in its attempt to blackmail the centre over the 100s of cases they face over the omni group and Billos murder of the journalist that exposed his fake march.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

An applause for your service to community in these tough times. May Allah bless you.

As most of you know already, the Tabligh-i-Jamaat have played a big role in the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan.

Tabligh-i-Jamaat have went against teachings (Sunnah) of Prophet PBUH and Islam:

“If you hear about it (an outbreak of plague) in a land, do not go to it; but if plague breaks out in a country where you are staying, do not run away from it.” - Prophet Muhammad PBUH

By doing so, they have endangered lives of Muslims and other communities. In India, they have given ammunition to fascists. Disappointing stuff.

While the PM is right about the fact that our public cannot survive in a total lockdown situation for long, that does not justify the lack of coordination between the provinces and the federal government and the inability of the authorities to deal with the right wing.

There is a 20 pages long discussion on this matter. Unfortunately, our Awaam are out of control. Less we say about our "right wing" the better.
If it is any consolation, in "west", the Christian preachers did the same stupid things. Youths are doing parties and Princes of Europe are publicly apologizing for infecting others Stupidity is truly global. All that said, it should be gut wrenching for a doctor to see people acting in such a foolish way!

 

[Giannis]

Every nation has a natural tendency towards conspiracy theories, the vast majority of Americans I've met tell me all kinds of theories about the coronavirus, some think it was made by china, some think it was labs here in America, others think it's a way to remove Trump from office while others think Bill Gates and the global "elite" want to reduce the world population through this.

 

[Shazzam]

Every nation has a natural tendency towards conspiracy theories

Yeah well Mamoon was not talking about “every” nation. If he was than he’d have a long post. Whats wrong with highlighting something in one country?

vast majority of Americans I've met tell me all kinds of theories about the coronavirus, some think it was made by china,

How is that a theory? I mean it was made in China. Lol

 

[Giannis]

Yeah well Mamoon was not talking about “every” nation. If he was than he’d have a long post. Whats wrong with highlighting something in one country?

Going off of his post history he seems to believe it is unique to Pakistanis and is central to a lot of his critiques.

How is that a theory? I mean it was made in China. Lol

The conspiracy theory is that it was "invented" in Chinese labs and then spread to America to decimate our economy and society. Thought you'd be smart enough to deduce that.

 

[MenInG]

Stay on topic pls - refer to the OP if any doubt.

 

[MenInG]

Mamoon - did you experience any bad behaviour from patients relatives towards you, or did you see similar against any other medical staff?

 

[pakistani pride]

Mamoon not only in Pakistan but even in the West specialists have mentioned the role of the media on creating hype for this virus.

You need to do some research instead of always blaming the Pakistani people.

There is a large group of people in the west with knowledge who is against the lockdown.

 

[MenInG]

Worth another read.

Pakistan is facing a huge crisis at the moment. Lets hope the right decisions are made.

 

[Mamoon]

Mamoon - did you experience any bad behaviour from patients relatives towards you, or did you see similar against any other medical staff?

Personally no, but unfortunately such things are happening very frequently. There have been multiple security breaches at LRH and HMC over the last few weeks.

Nevertheless, it is important to empathize with the patients as well. As a result of the panic and fear associated with this virus, getting admitted in hospitals is perceived as a death sentence by the patients who react aggressively not because they are bad people but because they are afraid.

 

[Mamoon]

Another issue that I have noticed is the certain doctors, unfortunately, have started to “milk” the pandemic.

Doctors are getting attention and recognition for the first time and some are making sure that they fully exploit the circumstances.

Writing lengthy posts on social media to gain praise and sympathy over how dangerous their job is at the moment and how much they are sacrificing etc. is something that should be avoided and discouraged.

 

[Rana]

Another issue that I have noticed is the certain doctors, unfortunately, have started to “milk” the pandemic.

Doctors are getting attention and recognition for the first time and some are making sure that they fully exploit the circumstances.

Writing lengthy posts on social media to gain praise and sympathy over how dangerous their job is at the moment and how much they are sacrificing etc. is something that should be avoided and discouraged.

Doctors and nurses dancing on Tik Tok with PPE on. Thoughts on that?

 

[sjahmed23]

It's every man / family for themselves now. You have to be responsible for your own health and weigh the risk vs rewards. Be selfish, it could save your life otherwise the government or hospitals can't do much.

hoping this nightmare ends soon.

 

[Mamoon]

Doctors and nurses dancing on Tik Tok with PPE on. Thoughts on that?

Not as big a deal as people made it out to be. If some doctors want to have some fun from time to time to take their and the patients’ minds off the pandemic, it should not be overly criticized.

 

[MenInG]

For whatever reason, number of deaths is low. Does that puzzle you [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]?

 

[Technics 1210]

The only 2 points I can deduce from the OP are:

1. The threat of C19 has subsided in Pakistan, you know, with doctors fighting this pandemic for months, they now have time free to post on the internet.

2. The points listed in the OP can be found on many websites, including the NHS.

The reality is that doctors have no clue. Far more qualified and experienced doctors compared to the OP were proven to be wrong, including Trump's top advisor on C19, Dr Anthony Fauci.

There is no reason to believe doctors and the so called experts on C19. These are the same experts who claimed the virus cannot be transfered from human to human, and wait for it, masks will make no difference.

Title should read : My experience with C19 - reading the BBC.

 

[pillionrider]

This could well have been about India. With some differences.

Muslims are being blamed more. Boycott China typed using Chinese products. The most hilarious one I heard was when I asked a Modi fan this point. He went - it's assembled somewhere else.

I don't know about other parts of India but here in Bengaluru I rarely see people without masks or some cloth covering. This has been the case since the lockdown thing months back. Even the poorest would have some cloth wrapped around their faces.

We're breaking our records every day and Modi and his clowns have no idea and so have passed the responsibility down to the individual states.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

The way forward for Pakistan is to lift the lock down and keep the country open. The cure cant be worse than the disease. Millions of peoples livelihood is being destroyed by the lock down.

Second since we have no idea how many have actually had the virus without any symptoms, for all we know the death rate can be less than the flu. So the lesson for next time something like this happens is, before locking down the country for months, maybe consider going for herd immunity, rather than listening to possibly exaggerated reports.

Third doctors and health care professionals in Pakistan come from the same population as the Politicians, Army, Bureaucrats, etc. So the same way we don't view there viewpoint as necessarily the gospel, we can also apply skepticism to doctors and health officials.

 

[pakistani pride]

The way forward for Pakistan is to lift the lock down and keep the country open. The cure cant be worse than the disease. Millions of peoples livelihood is being destroyed by the lock down.

Second since we have no idea how many have actually had the virus without any symptoms, for all we know the death rate can be less than the flu. So the lesson for next time something like this happens is, before locking down the country for months, maybe consider going for herd immunity, rather than listening to possibly exaggerated reports.

Third doctors and health care professionals in Pakistan come from the same population as the Politicians, Army, Bureaucrats, etc. So the same way we don't view there viewpoint as necessarily the gospel, we can also apply skepticism to doctors and health officials.

This makes the most sense. Instead of long rants and cries about lockdowns. One needs to be practical and realistic.