Act with caution…and responsibility

Yes, this is my advice to those connected with the local showbiz scene, social events, reality shows, etc.

After a hiatus of many months, entertainers are now being given the opportunity to move into action…to provide music at various outlets, including nightclubs, etc.

But…everyone has got to act with caution, and responsibility, and that’s where the managers of such venues have got to step in and see that the health guidelines are strictly adhered to, when entertaining guests.

The pandemic is certainly not over and the virus could create another major disaster, for everyone concerned, if we take it for granted that it’s now time for the country to party.

And, that exactly what many of them did during the long weekend, last month.

Dr. Hemantha Herath was quite right when he said that some members of the public acted irresponsibly, during the long weekend, and that such behaviour could soon lead to a spike in Covid-19.

What is disturbing is that the Sri Lanka Medical Association has warned of dire consequences unless the government maintains stringent health guidelines in place to thwart another major Covid-19.

It has been noted, they say, that many do not adhere to wearing masks, and that social distancing is not maintained in public places.

Well, that is quite evident when one sees what is posted on social media – masks and social distancing are unheard of.

Hardly seen at entertainment venues

My question is, what are the authorities doing? If they lay down health guidelines, they must ensure that those guidelines are followed.

The Sri Lanka Medical Association says that crowded enclosed environments constitute super-spreader situations for COVID-19 infection, and, as such, they request the government to delay, for a further period of time, the complete relaxation of regulations pertaining to public events, by restricting numbers at weddings, musical shows, gatherings at clubs, etc., in enclosed environments.

Most of our folks, in the entertainment scene, just don’t realise that if there is another surge in Covid cases, everyone will be out of work…again.

In the meanwhile, the band Aquarius, after almost four month of no work, went into action, last Thursday night, at the Curve.

According to leader Banjy, they will operate as a six-piece outfit, with April Schokman in the vocal spotlight.

Genesis, under the leadership of Kevin Hingert, haven’t had work coming their way for nearly five months. But, with the scene improving, gradually, Kevin says: “Gonna be on the road again soon to entertain all you lovely people.”

I only hope the public will act with responsibility, follow all the health guidelines, issued by the authorities concerned, and help keep the showbiz scene alive.

Another lockdown would be disastrous not only to the showbiz scene, but the country, as well.

Most definitely – another surge, followed by a lockdown, will be the last nail on the coffin of an already battered economy…and the showbiz scene, too.

So, wakeup before it’s too late, where, ultimately, we would all have to sing ‘It’s Too Late For Regrets.’