14/03/2020
Forwarded message. The government has just announced country wide holidays for all educational institutes in Pakistan, effective immediately.
Please understand these are not vacations, this is not spring break.
These are emergency measures put in place to control the outbreak of the Coronavirus.
Do not take this as an opportunity to pack up your bags and head north, or to plan outings with extended family, or to visit malls and cinemas.
This is a national emergency and a global pandemic.
Stay indoors and stay safe.
Avoid public gatherings.
Avoid public spaces.
I shudder to think what will become of us if the situation implodes.
We are not Italy and we are not China. We do not have protocols in place to quarantine thousands of people and curtail contagion.
We must take individual responsibility.
Educate those around you, your domestic helpers, urge them to maintain hygiene and protect their families.
This is the time to come together as a community and do your part.
What a lesson in humility honestly.
We are powerless in the face of this adversity, and can only look Heaven-ward for protection.
May Allah keep us and our loved ones safe.
Ameen.
