South Asia Lifts Lockdowns Despite COVID-19 Surge: "Choosing Economy Over Quarantine"

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh Surge
Lockdowns Eased Due to Economic Impact
South Asia Faces Growing Risk as New COVID-19 Epicenter

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading across South Asia. Unlike the slowdown in advanced countries such as the United States and Europe, the number of cases is rapidly increasing in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Despite the rapid acceleration of the spread, lockdown policies are being lifted for economic reasons, raising concerns about casualties.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to Bloomberg on the 9th (local time), COVID-19 cases in Pakistan increased by 27% over the past week. Bangladesh saw a 19% increase, and India a 17% increase, showing a steep upward trend. Deaths due to COVID-19 are also rising sharply. According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University in the United States, Pakistan has recorded a cumulative total of 108,317 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,172 deaths. India has confirmed 276,146 cases, with 7,750 deaths. Bangladesh has reported 71,675 cumulative confirmed cases and 975 deaths.

What is concerning is that while the increase is growing, lockdown policies to contain the spread are being lifted. Mark Williams, chief economist at Capital Economics, and others expressed concern, saying, "Despite no signs that COVID-19 is under control, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are lifting lockdown measures."

South Asian countries say they have no choice.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stated in a TV briefing, "Even advanced countries are easing lockdowns because they cannot survive if lockdown measures continue," and pointed out, "In poor countries, unemployment and poverty are causing tremendous shocks." While the spread of COVID-19 is frightening, the economic pain caused by lockdown policies is also causing significant harm.

Initially, Pakistan expected the COVID-19 spread to peak around June, but now it has postponed this to July or August. It is believed that the spread will not subside and will continue to rise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.