“The pandemic has been indiscriminate. There are no spectators, adjudicators, no holier than thou. No supermen or superwomen. We are all exposed” — President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
I couldn’t agree more with the Zimbabwean President. We should all do our best to halt the menacing spread of the virus because we are all at risk.
We woke up yesterday only to be greeted by the worrying news that the country now has 4665 active Covid-19 cases, with 405 persons joining their ancestors in Samanfoland courtesy of the pandemic. What makes it even more disturbing is the fact that many of our compatriots are still not ready to comply with the prescribed protocols.
I saw a video of spectators who went to watch the match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium last Saturday. Social-distancing and all other Covid-19 prevention protocols were completely thrown out of the window. They were crammed like sardines in a tin. One can only imagine the level of transmission in such a case as the supporters shouted their lungs out with tons of Covid-19-laden droplets on the loose.
It’s obvious the country doesn’t have 4,000 beds specially reserved for managing severe to critical Covid-19 cases. What this means is that our health system is fast-becoming overwhelmed. The situation becomes even more dire when one looks at our already overburdened medical personnel. The situation is indeed becoming scarier by the day!
We refuse to wear nose mask and totally disregard all Covid-19 safety protocols. We also hate to hear the word “lockdown” and claim being arrested for not obeying law on safety protocols is against our human rights. We then turn round to blame government for the rise in Covid-19 cases. What in Mawu’s name do we want the government to do?
Well, the word we are so scared of may soon become the most used in the country. It is obvious that our irresponsible acts may lead this country to another lockdown.
Abusuapanin, should there be the need for a lockdown, which I suspect may be the case, it must be nationwide and without prior notice. Free food distribution should also not be on the agenda. After only one week, I strongly believe we shall learn to observe the established protocols.
The economy may suffer but we can build it back. Unfortunately, the lives currently being lost or destroyed, can’t be brought back.
You see, no nation has the capacity to police a populace that has deliberately decided not to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols. As the popular saying goes, “You can force a horse to a river, but you cannot force it to drink.” And as we continue to insist on our freedom of movement, so will the virus continue its free movement amongst us.
I do agree with the call that the fight against Covid-19 must shift from the lengthy explanations to strict enforcement of the safety protocols. At this stage, no compatriots of ours can claim to be oblivious of the existence of the pandemic. The solution therefore isn’t public education but law enforcement.
It’s very disheartening to see one’s compatriots flagrantly disregarding the Covid-19 protocols. Some even feel offended when their attention is drawn to the fact that they are being irresponsible.
I am only saddened by the fact that we have a president who is too compassionate. For sure, his compassionate nature has turned out to be his greatest weakness. Mr. President must understand that a knock on the head may be painful, but it reinforces the neck.
See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!