It is perhaps too early to predict that Eidul Fitr was handled successfully from the point of view of the spread of Covid-19. It will not be until two weeks or so that the infections transmitted during the Eid festivities, will manifest themselves in the shape of new infections and it will be still longer before people start dying. That is the pattern that was observed last year. However, a superficial glance at the Eid festivities would show that people were able to show enough responsibility to avoid the more egregious displays of affection that were previously known to be part and parcel of the festivities.
In fact, the extended holidays given by the government, combined by the late Eid announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, preventing the usual unruly behaviour associated with Chand Raat, seem already to have had an effect, with only 1531 cases reported on Saturday, the first time since March 9 that there had been less than 2000 cases reported. There were 83 deaths, which was also below what had seemed to be the routine of more than 100 deaths a day. However, instead of reinforcing success, the National Command and Operations Centre has allowed the relaxing of the protocols which had been put in place, and allowed inter-city transport, as well as letting shops open until 8 pm. That may be too late for the sort of impulse buying characteristic of Chaand Raat shopping, and for which retailers apparently prepare the entire year, but which they missed this year, but it gives an idea of why the NCOC is not apparently careless about maintaining the restrictions: the economy.
The government should decide whether its priority is to keep people alive, or businesses going. It should not forget that if business owners are not alive, then businesses cannot continue. It should also remember that reopening too soon means the next attack of the coronavirus will be even more vicious than if there hadn’t been a lockdown. This time the Eid holidays offered a chance. The next Eid holidays are more than two months away. Such reopenings do not let vaccinations take effect. There should be more concern shown about people’s lives.
