Features
Make fully vaccinated mandatory for entertainment venues
Doctors, health authorities, and knowledgeable sources have been regularly stating that Sri Lanka is likely to face another Covid-19 wave, and some have even predicted that the scene could change, for the worse, in the month of December.
“It is up to the people to decide whether they need another lockdown which will deliver a severe blow to the economy,” says the head of the Public Health Inspectors Union.
Most of the venues are packed – no face masks and no social distancing. And, there’s dancing, too!
The setup at a popular location, in the city, they say, is unbelievable, with almost every nightspot, in that vicinity, packed to capacity.
Our people just don’t realise that crowded enclosed environments constitute super-spreader situations for COVID-19 infection.
It’s high time the health authorities stepped in, and the Public Health Inspectors moved into action and apprehended those flouting the health guidelines.
They need to check out the nightclubs, at this location, and…why aren’t they doing it!
The management, of the venues concerned, and those not adhering to the stipulated guidelines, should be taken to task and heavy fines imposed.
It should also be made mandatory – only those full vaccinated, with proof, can patronise entertainment venues. And, this is the scene in Switzerland.
According to singer Suzi Fluckiger (Croner), who now resides in Switzerland, one has to be fully vaccinated, to visit a nightclub, dine in public places, etc. And those not complying with the rules are heavily fined, including the venue concerned, she says.
As was mentioned in our editorial column, last week, all those who violate the health guidelines (in Sri Lanka) must be made to face the full force of the law for endangering the lives of others and creating conditions for lockdowns that hurt the public and the economy alike. Mere warnings and threats of punitive action will not do.
When the violators of the quarantine laws are arrested and prosecuted, with adequate publicity given to such instances, others will realise the need to obey the law. That is the only way to keep the country open.
Sohan Weerasinghe is well aware of the dangers, where Covid-19 is concerned, and when he and his band, The X-Periments, performed at a wedding, recently, he said all the health guidelines were adhered to.
“We need to play our part, accordingly, in order to avoid another Covid disaster, in our part of the world.”
Yes, it’s obvious that the best way to combat the pandemic is to follow good health practices.
Says the Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath: “Don’t be overconfident. Wear your masks (even if you are fully vaccinated), and don’t take them off unless you eat or drink, and even then, ensure that you are away from people.
“If there is a spike in cases, we will have to recommend another lockdown, so we urge the citizens to follow health guidelines because no one wants another lockdown.”
Night scene in Colombo