Showbiz scene must strictly adher to health guidelines

It’s certainly nice to see our entertainers gearing themselves up, and eagerly looking forward to making their presence felt in the local showbiz scene…once again.

The encouraging signs are there, on social media, and I’ve seen quite a few positive vibes, like…‘Coming soon,’ ‘Cheer up, we will soon be in action,’ ‘We will be back to rock Colombo as soon as the situation is back to normal, bringing back life and light to the city,’ ‘We are waiting to entertain our fans.’

Yes, we all need to break free, after being confined to the four walls of our homes, but it’s absolutely essential that the venues, the performers, and the public, strictly adhere to all the health guidelines, laid down by the health authorities. That is imperative, and a must.

Unfortunately, most people give the impression that fun is their top priority and that this deadly, killer virus should not be taken seriously.

One particular artiste was quoted as having said, ‘there’s no need to get frighten of this virus.’ And, this very same artiste found himself, in hospital, and on a ventilator, as well.

The possibilities are there for these fun-seekers, no sooner the restrictions are eased, or lifted, to put aside all health guidelines and rush out to take in their kind of scene.

And, their kind of scene would, no doubt,include no face masks, once they reach their destination, and no social distancing, once inside.

Washing of hands regularly is never heard of, once they are out, having fun.

What is worrying is that the managers of most of these venues seem unconcerned about maintaining the guidelines, issued by the health authorities.

Every single rule is broken…yes, money is their main objective – sadly, money at any cost.

Dance floors are invariably packed.

This was the scene before the current lockdown, and the health authorities, including Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana and Army Commander Shavendra Silva, should have their eyes and ears open, to nab these lawbreakers, in the local showbiz scene, once the lockdown is lifted and entertainment is permitted.

Entertainment venues should encourage the public to come, and to enjoy some good music, while seated (spaced out accordingly), and not on the dance floor.

Guests should be told that they should have their face masks on, except when consuming food, or drinking.

The authorities concerned should also be vigilant about these beauty pageants which serve no purpose to anyone, in the current situation.

I’m told there are plans to stage such pageants no sooner the restrictions are removed, with the catchline of one reading: ‘The show must go on. The wait is over….”

All those connected with the local showbiz scene must keep in mind that if lockdowns crop up regularly, it could sound the death knell of the showbiz scene, in our part of the world.

And, we wouldn’t want that to happen, do we?