Life in Pakistan is changing drastically. We’re physically distanced from our favorite people, we’re avoiding going to our favourite hangout spots, and many are financially strained or out of work. Online classes, trapped in the four walls of our own houses, no hugs, no handshakes- this has become our reality. The response to the Covid-19 pandemic is infiltrating every aspect of our life, and we can’t wait for it to end. But wait we’ll have to do because this fight might not come to an end for a year or more.

Why is social distancing so important right now?

Social distancing is so crucial right now because public health experts believe it is the best way to prevent a truly horrific crisis. Some may see headlines and think the media is only trying to create more panic, and it’s not really as worse as it seems because you know, most of us think it wouldn’t happen to us. So, we let go of all inhibitions and we’re out and about, going to Joyland and northern areas like we’re on a jolly holiday. We’re not. We are self-isolating. The only purpose for this so called holiday is that people shouldn’t interact with each other. The virus spreads from interaction. So, stay home and wash your hands, for God’s sake.

We know staying at home doing nothing can get to your head. But we’re all going to have to strengthen our resolves and find new stuff do everyday because scientists say this could go on for a year or more.

According to an article done by VOX, an expert on the coronavirus situation said,

“This virus is going to be circulating, potentially for a year or two, so we need to be thinking on those time scales. There are no good options here. Every scenario you can think of playing out has some really hefty downsides. … At the moment, it seems the only way to sustainably reduce transmission are really severe unsustainable measures.”

Report suggests only severe social distancing is our only chance at beating coronavirus

Report from the COVID-19 Response Team at the Imperial College of London underscores the need to keep social distancing measures in place for a long period. In their analysis, isolation of confirmed cases and quarantine of older adults without social distancing would still result in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Suppression, which requires “social distancing of the entire population,” can save more lives and prevent hospitals from becoming extremely overburdened. But it needs to be maintained until a vaccine becomes available (potentially 18 months or more), the report states. And it warns that “transmission will quickly rebound if interventions are relaxed.”

So, you see we’re in it for the long haul. Which means you’re going to have take this more seriously irrespective of whether your city has reported a case or not. Stay home and stay safe.

Also read: New analysis of Covid-19 shows that millennials are not invincible to the virus