“The pandemic was brought under control,” said President Dr Arif Alvi, a phrase that has single-handedly contributed to the increase of coronavirus cases in Lahore.

Lahore, being the social hub of Pakistan, is one of the most significant reasons why social distancing — a prevention of the virus — has become a problem. After the easing of lockdown, failure of the public to recognise the restrictions, set by the government, has led us to the key question: have we forgotten the wrath of this pandemic or has the feeling of freedom blinded us to the situation we are in?

After the government expressed their gratitude to the public by announcing the relaxing of the lockdown, Lahore witnessed the great migration of people from the vicinity of their homes to restaurants, theatres, gyms and schools. What was also witnessed was sheer irresponsibility by large crowds of people gathering in tiny rooms, without any sign of social distancing.

We saw an increase of social gatherings in households, which proved to be even more dangerous as those attending tended not to wear their masks or stand six feet apart. The carelessness of individuals attending the ‘themed’ parties, without SOPs, shows the mindset of people towards Covid-19.

It emerged that the only way preventive measures were followed was by assignment of chaperones in public places, reminding people to wear their masks and sit at a distance of six feet. This practice raises doubts on how Pakistan managed to flatten the curve considering most of the public viewed it as a hoax, refusing to wear masks when outside.

We saw an increase in social gatherings in households, which proved to be even more dangerous as the people attending tended not to wear their masks or stand six feet apart. The carelessness of individuals attending the ‘themed’ parties, without SOPs, shows the mindset of people towards Covid-19.

Indeed, only those who have seen illness and death since the inception of this pandemic have learned the dangers of this carelessness. Everyone has the freedom to do what they like and go where they want if they can afford to do so. Certain people have the privilege to afford top-of-the-line healthcare facilities to recover from this virus, but what about those who cannot? What about the people who cannot afford to take even a day off from work? What about those who live in tiny houses that lack individual isolation rooms? What about the people who go home to elderly grandparents, already risking enough by leaving their houses?

The one thing we forgot this year is compassion and the ability to put ourselves in others’ place. It is as if empathy has disappeared off the face of the Earth, leaving people to prioritise their situations before those infected. This selfishness has to come to an end. Due to the lack of compliance, the government has placed necessary restrictions in public places in order to control the increase of coronavirus cases.

In establishing the smart lockdown, schools, wedding halls and restaurants not following coronavirus SOPs will be sealed for two weeks. Besides, wearing a face mask in public places has been made mandatory.

By forming special inspection teams, the government can ensure compliance in areas where the SOPs have been largely ignored. Now that Lahore is facing a second wave of the disease, the need to follow precautions against the pandemic is dire. The government is playing its part, we should play ours.

The writer is a student at LGS Defence and has interest in social issues