We need to take some really big and really difficult decisions about #CoronavirusOutbreak. The pandemic is now a national emergency for us. Time to be complacent is over. National leadership must meet without delay and draw up plans to address the following: (1/8)
A) take stock of health facilities across the country. How many patients can we handle? What happens if infected numbers exceed the capacity of our health facilities? Doctors/nurses etc can also handle only so many patients (2/8)
B) should Pakistan shut down international travel? What are the consequences of doing so and how can this be implemented? This huge decision needs to be discussed threadbare by the national leadership and all options debated for a final decision (3/8)
C) should we go for closure of educational institutions? Should this be done now or later if needed? Could later be too late? How can Education continue from home if closure is for longer period? Can we prepare for an online option as a backup? Big decision awaits (4/8)
D) should we opt for closing all public places and go for a national quarantine as some countries are already doing? What are the consequences of doing so? All economic aspects need discussion. Decision awaits (5/8)
E) what equipment, medicines, hospitals machinery, quarantine tents, ventilators etc need to be purchased to prepare for a big outbreak of the virus? We need money and swift purchasing. Budgets need to be allocated for the emergency. National leadership decision awaited (6/8)
F) mass awareness campaign is missing. So much disinformation floating around and people in denial. Govt needs to launch a massive campaign as lifestyles and habits have to change. National leadership needs to order this without delay (7/8)
G) this is the worst possible time to display incompetence. Wake up govt! (8/8)
