As coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross the 1,000 mark, provincial governments across the country have enforced partial/complete lockdowns in their respective jurisdictions. There is much debate on the repercussions of this action. The federal government has argued that given the country’s weak economy the lockdowns ordered by provincial governments will require periodic reviews.

Currently, two-week closures are being enforced. There can be no denying that the federal and provincial governments will need to agree on coherent long-term plans to tackle the crisis that is expected to haunt us over the coming months. While the governments formulate their strategies, many organisations as well as individuals have already started adapting to new ‘normals’.

Work lives are transforming drastically as millions of people are being confined to their homes globally. While flexible timings and remote working have been practiced by many in the past, these have never been tested on such a scale. It is encouraging that in these trying times, efforts are being made in various professions to ensure safety by making unprecedented provisions. The real challenge perhaps lies ahead given that these steps will require innovation in line with the demands of various industries. It is best to start preparing for it now.

We are in the middle of an unprecedented situation. There is pandemic that has altered our lives and threatens to continue to do so. For now, we must find relief in the belief that we are taking the necessary precautions and protecting one another and the vulnerable.

While the urgency of the immediate threat has forced us to reconsider our work and social lives, we must be mindful that containing the virus (and eventually overcoming it) is likely to take a long time.