'Herd immunity'.

Byline: Majid Burfat - Hyderabad

THIS is apropos the editorial 'Herd immunity' (May 10). The federal government seems to be pursuing a policy of herd immunity. A few countries across the world, especially Sweden, have opted for herd immunity instead of a total lockdown.

The main argument and logic in support of herd immunity is that the majority of the population contracts the virus and achieves the herd immunity. Subsequently, the lockdown is eased off despite the spike in the mortality rates and infection trajectory.

As a matter of fact, herd immunity is achieved when most population gets immune to an infectious disease, thereby providing indirect protection. For instance, if 80 per cent of the population is immune to a virus, four out of every five people will not get sick and will not spread the disease. Consequently, the spread of the disease is kept under control.

However, Pakistan has not carried out many which could claim such a huge number of people have herd immunity. Besides, there is no vaccine available for Covid-19...