By Shafique Khokhar
Mar 31 2021
The government is tightening the rules on social distances, has placed restrictions on movement and is doing its best to implement a new ban on all gatherings in all areas where there is a high number of Covid-19 cases. Archbishop Sabastian Shaw of Lahore recommends canceling or limiting pastoral activities in parishes.
KARACHI – “We missed Easter and Christmas masses last year and were unable to receive Communion,” said Mr. Kashif Anthony of Karachi. “We thought we would have Easter this year, but – he added – the government is very concerned about being in control of the situation as the third wave of Covid-19 is said to be more dangerous than the previous two waves “.
The Pakistan Government is tightening social distancing and has put movement restrictions and is trying its best on implementing a new ban on all gatherings in all over where there are high numbers of Covid-19 cases.
Mr. Asad Umar the Federal Planning Minister at a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre said that NCOC, who is gathering the data and managing the country’s coronavirus response, has also announced a slew of new measures in order to control the spike in infections.
Umar also said that previously, in the first wave, there were 3,300 patients in critical care at hospitals across Pakistan and during the second wave, the number was over 2,500. But it has been observed that in the third wave and in just last 12 days the number has increased by 1,000 and it has reached to 2,842 patients, declared to be in critical condition.
He calls it an alarming by saying that “If this trend remains the same, the situation will become worse than that in the first wave,” and the Hospitals will reach over their capacity limits and a shortage of beds will be seen at multiple hospitals, he warned.
Keeping in mind the same situation, His Grace Sabastian Shaw, the Archbishop of Lahore, in his especial message against the “third Wave of Coronavirus” to his Clergy, Nuns and laity has said that we all are well aware that the third wave of Coronavirus is rising in Pakistan, many have affected by it and some have lost their lives.
In view of up search of Coronavirus cases throughout the country, the Government of Pakistan and world health organization is emphasizing on following the precautions and necessary measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Therefore, in view of that you are advised to cancel or limit your pastoral activities in your respective parishes for your own protection and safety, and become the source of good health for others. You are also advised to follow the SOPs, maintain Social Distancing and if there is necessary to go out make sure you wear the use of face Mask all the time.
The prelate of the Diocese also sends his especial blessing by saying that may the Almighty God protect all of us from coronavirus so that we may prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter, through Christ our Lord. – AsiaNews