With the pandemic wreaking havoc for nearly a year now, the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine has been a tremendous cause for relief. The subsequent nationwide rollout of the vaccine in Bangladesh, with over 540,000 people already vaccinated since February 7, must also be commended.
However, this must not result in us becoming overconfident in our abilities to tackle the pandemic. The health sector is still at risk of being overwhelmed. Recent spikes in public interest has led to no fewer than 1.37 million already people signing up to be vaccinated. Public pressure also led to the minimum age of inoculation being lowered to 40 from 55, and the number of vaccine-seekers is only expected to rise.
If we have learned anything over the course of the pandemic, it is that listening to the relevant authorities must be at the forefront of any plan undertaken to combat the virus. Health experts have expressed concern over the number of vaccination centres that remain idle due to the initially lukewarm public response.
But with the number of vaccine seekers rapidly rising, authorities are urging the government to begin operating the idle centres and encourage the public to choose centres closest to them. This is sensible advice.
As with health directives regarding social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining hygiene practices -- which have all proven to be effective against coronavirus transmission -- it is best to pay heed to the experts, and not take any chances in these matters of life and death.
It is imperative that the recommended measures be taken as soon as possible so that further public suffering can be avoided, and also to ensure a nationwide vaccination drive that is both successful and effective.