By Hamid Khan Wazir
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A leading American expert Professor Dr. Saad B. Omer has said that the work on the development of the Corona vaccine is underway on fast-track basis, stating that there is no much delay in the vaccine development.
While delivering his online seminar arranged by COMSTECH in Islamabad on Wednesday for OIC countries, he informed the participants that currently, work is going-on on the development of the vaccine for the deadly virus on the war-footing.
Participants from various cities of Pakistan, and other OIC Countries such as Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Egypt joined the session.
Professor Dr. Saad B. Omer shed light on all technical aspects involved in the process of the vaccine’s development process, stating that human trials have been started.
Omer said that no disease should be stigmatized and there is a need of empowering the scientists to lead in making critical decisions, avoid fake news and false assurances.
Despite lockdown, social distancing is not possible or practical at home, many of the infections are of familial origin – originate between the family, he added.
The expert suggested to test, trace contacts, quarantine asymptomatic carriers, reduce household transmission, and practice social distancing to cope with the pandemic in an effective way. He informed that the outbreak in South Asia is slower than Europe, and the doubling time of cases is seven days.
While answering a question seeking his opinion on complete lockdown or smart lockdown, he stressed that nations should be pre-emptive and quick reaction before the rise of cases. Countries which reacted quickly, proactively succeeded in slowing down the spread, whereas those countries which were not proactive, saw an exponential rise in cases. He suggested go early, test, trace contacts and ease lockdown slowly, smartly and sector-wise.
Is it wise to ease lockdown, while there is no therapy, no vaccine? He replied that it depends on the rate of cases, if cases are rising rapidly then nations have an appropriate strategy to cope with the situation. He suggested to ease lockdown carefully by implementing all suggested safety measures.
