ACTION taken And, finally….

I have, on many occasions, mentioned in my articles that the authorities should make wearing face masks, when out of home, compulsory. And, finally…they have done it!

They say ‘it’s better late than never,’ but I’m beginning to wonder, like most other concerned citizens, whether the action, now taken, is a wee bit too late! For the sake of the country, and the people, I hope not.

On July 30th, in my article ‘Masks, social distancing rules relaxed?’ I queried whether these rules were being strictly enforced by the authorities concerned?

At that point in time, I wrote “My answer would be a big NO. One would get the impression that the rules have been relaxed, when you look around….

“People not wearing masks, or with their face masks dangling around their necks, are seen…practically everywhere! What are the law enforcement officers doing, in this regard?”

“Most of these folks fail to realise the seriousness of this coronavirus pandemic, and that the country can’t afford another lockdown. They are all doing things THEIR OWN WAY.

“It’s obvious that life has to go on, but we all need to do things the ‘new normal’ way, and NOT go back to the ‘old normal’ format.

“I guess it’s time the authorities stepped in, and implemented the rules rigidly, in order to prevent the second wave, of Covid-19, from creating chaos, in our paradise island.”

Now all this was said in my article in The Island of Thursday, July 30th. And what did the authorities do? Absolutely nothing, or very little.

Almost three months later, with Covid-19 breaking loose, they have decided to make face masks and social distancing compulsory!

The setup now is that an individual can be fined Rs. 10.000 (or sentenced to six months imprisonment, or made to undergo both) if found guilty of violating the rules and regulations now in force, and that includes not wearing a mask, or maintaining a one-meter distance (between two persons).

One-meter distance in public transport? No way! Buses are packed like sardines! And, bus conductors and drivers break all the rules; they hardly wear their face masks properly, and chew betel/wash mouth and spit out. They also welcome passengers, without face masks…and even beggars, and vendors!

The question is, when will these law breakers be hauled up, and prosecuted?

It’s also imperative that those in the entertainment scene act accordingly, taking into consideration the present situation in the country.

Any rash decisions, with an ’I Don’t Care’ attitude, could ruin the setup for all entertainers.

What is disturbing are the videos, posted on social media, showing people, sans masks, and social distancing, having fun, on the dance floor, at some recently-held events.

There have been wedding ceremonies, too, held at known venues, where guests have shown no respect for the law – no face masks and no social distancing!

Let’s hope the authorities concerned will move into action…even at this late stage.