Easter will soon descend upon us; a time on the national calendar when social activities take place, and of course, distancing is highly ignored.
Unfortunately, however, the dreaded novel virus is still a medical emergency worldwide, for which new normal trends must prevail. We might have had a grip of the virus’ head through the ramped-up vaccine breakthrough, and a relatively better understanding of its cantankerousness. Letting down our guard, nonetheless, could reverse the gains made so far.
Day in and day out, we are learning new things about the dreaded virus; and so, taking risks such as reversing the new normal times simply because we have had a jab of the vaccine, should not be advisable at this time.
It is for this reason that we urge the authorities to be strict about the suspension of social activities, including the Easter.
We have a premonition that the protocols will be breached at Easter, unless strict enforcement is applied. After all, to the best of our knowledge, the existing sanctions are hardly exacted upon defaulters.
Social events such as weddings and funeral activities continue to draw the usual crowds as though nothing unusual is in existence.
The post-Xmas consequences of breaching the COVID-19 protocols should not be relegated to the background so soon. To freshen our memories, let us remember the spike in the infection rate from mid-December, arising from the Yuletide’s related activities.
Public education about the importance of adhering to the protocols in the light of the active COVID-19 cases in the country will go a long way in keeping social activities relating to Easter away from the programmes of individuals and groups.
The experts say that regardless of the vaccination regime, social distancing among other protocols must be upheld by all.
We must all avoid another wave of the virus, because our ability to contain it would have been reduced to nothingness.
The financial consequences of COVID-19 on the purse of the state are enormous. Any recklessness on the part of both the ruled and the rulers should not be countenanced, even as the war against the pandemic continues to be prosecuted worldwide.
Our COVID-19 fallouts have relatively not been outrageous. In some countries, the statistics of fatalities are alarming.
Even as we relish the state of our infections, the story could change worryingly if we take things for granted.
It is regrettable that the business community, especially those who have targeted the Kwahu Easter fiesta, would be counting their losses at this time. Let them take it easy, as this is a clear case of force majeure, and not the making of anybody.
The health consequences of ignoring the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the COVID-19 management at this time, would be too costly; hence a cancelled Easter.
So, even as Easter beckons, COVID-19 and its consequences are lurking, ready to pounce on those who do not look sharp.