Relentless rise in Covid-19 cases.

THE relaxation in countrywide lockdowns, coupled with the government and superior judiciary's mixed messaging about the coronavirus threat, seem to have induced the public to throw already barely existent caution to the wind. Scenes of zero socially distanced revelry, with scarcely a mask in sight, have marked Eid - an occasion when toned down celebrations this year would have been appropriate for more than one reason. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has warned that if the current trajectory of coronavirus cases persisted, 'strict lockdowns' may have to be reimposed across the country.

There are now around 60,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Pakistan, a mere week after we reached the 50,000 milestone. This despite testing for the disease having dipped considerably during the festival holidays: from 16,387 on May 21, it came down to 10,049 on Eid, and 7,252 the day after. Testing needs to be scaled up once again, and quickly. Moreover, the Tracking, Testing and Quarantine strategy must focus on areas where clusters have already been detected so the infection transmission rate can be locally contained. However, that we stand at this juncture - where health professionals are warning of hospitals rapidly approaching saturation point with Covid-19 patients - should surprise no one. The federal government has given selective attention to information. For instance, it has used the relaxation of lockdowns in several European countries to justify the correctness of its stance, arguing that even rich nations have realised that lockdowns are...