COVID-19 or Coronavirus outbreak was first detected in the Wuhan City of China at the end of December 2019. It spread rapidly in China and then worldwide in 209 countries including Pakistan and United Kingdom. Not all countries have been affected in a similar fashion. Some countries for example Pakistan, population of more than 220 million have low death rate when compared with United Kingdom, population of just 67 million has high death and infection rate. During the so called ‘first wave’ more than 6 thousand people lost their lives in Pakistan compared with 41 thousand in United Kingdom. Different measures have been taken by different governments to control the spread of COVID-19. This study investigates why Pakistan has low death and infection rate when compared with United Kingdom analysing data from March 2020 until August 2020. Research was conducted to find out all the measures taken by two governments during prescribed time to control the spread of coronavirus in the communities. Analysis and research showed a strong corelation between strict measures and spread of this pandemic. The research concludes that even with less resources Pakistan has taken rigorous measures like designated hospitals solely for covid-19 patients, purpose-built quarantine facilities, closing international flight operation, closing border with China and Iran, starting public awareness campaign and smart lock down to control the spread of virus. The research finds low death rate from Pakistan is due to that fact that 64% of population is below the age of 30 and the life expectancy is 67.8 years (Ahmed,2018). In June 2020 covid-19 infection rate increases due to Pakistan lifting most restrictions. The research also highlights the efforts of UK government to combat this deadly virus.
I am a final year computing degree student at university. I am self-employed and live in Middlesbrough with my wife and four children. I also work as a freelancer data analyst. I have recently started a charity with the help and support of my friends and we are helping families with food, clothing and shelter affected by Covid-19 in Pakistan. So far we have helped 30 families with food packages and provided 150 individuals with outfits. We are also planning to launch a poverty alleviation scheme i.e. to give people interest free financial support to help them start small businesses.
