COVID-19 STILL IN TOWN

“‎Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you.” - Henry Ward Beecher

Do you get the feeling that a significant number of Jamaicans have put down their guard regarding the coronavirus?  The hustle and bustle on our roads has returned. It's business as per usual everywhere you look.  Masks are not readily worn in some public spaces. It has become commonplace again to see passengers in taxis without masks. Perhaps some of us have been swayed by the numerous anti- propaganda campaigns on social media surrounding the wearing of masks; sadly some have questioned whether this pandemic is real. Unfortunately, it appears that sections of the public have bought into this misinformation regarding COVID-19.  The young and the young at heart are the ones who have been pushing back against established government protocols which are in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19.  Jamaica has recorded
14 deaths thus far from the novel coronavirus. The relatively low death rate from COVID-19 and the high recovery rate from the pandemic have given many Jamaicans a false sense that the pandemic is perhaps not as bad. Some have gone further by testing fate with their attendance at COVID-19 parties only to contract the virus. They have learnt the hard way not to test fate. One only has to watch and listen to what is taking place across North America, parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America, namely Brazil. It should be noted that worldwide coronavirus cases have reached 17 million people. Brazil recently reported more than 69,000 new cases in one day.  We must be thankful that the cases we have in Jamaica have not overwhelmed the healthcare system. We must be appreciative of our health care workers. One way of showing this gratitude is to adhere to the protocols established by the government to curb the cases of COVID-19. The idea is not to take away your right to freedom of movement; however we must be smart in how and where we go. Public gatherings are still at 20 people, however, we have heard of parties all across the island in opposition to the law and the principle of social distancing. We need to have a reality check regarding our behaviour in this pandemic.

Sense of Complacency

Conspiracy theories are all and sundry. Many artistes such as Madonna have been using their social media platforms, such as Instagram to share this misinformation with their followers. These theories are inescapable whether you are on social media or not. There is a growing sense of frustration among the political directorate and rightly so with regard to the complacency of Jamaicans.  Jamaicans are returning home and instead of self-quarantining they have been busy up and about mixing with the wider society. This cavalier attitude is exactly what the coronavirus uses to get around and infect the wider population.  It can be argued that in their stupor state some of these individuals whether tourists or Jamaicans have been using social media to announce their arrival as well as inform the world where they are partying or where they have been. Do we always need an overseer to ensure we do what is right? Prime Minister Andrew Holness told Parliament on July 28 that he has been informed that 50 cases of COVID-19 quarantine breaches are now under investigation and the first set of charges are expected within days.  The Prime Minister said, “The Emancipation and Independence period is approaching. It is the time of year when many Jamaicans retreat; yes, they go to the beaches and there are several parties that are kept. I gather that Negril is the place to be for the Independence period with all the parties being kept.” 

Disaster Risk Management Act

Under the Disaster Risk Management Act, people who decline to follow the established orders and protocols, including curfews and stay-at-home orders that are in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus on the island, can be fined up to $1 million or six months’ imprisonment.  However, we have heard this before yet the breaches have continued.  Human behaviour modification is challenging. Jamaica like the rest of the Caribbean is viewed as a destination to have fun, frolic and for festivities. Many of the tourists who have visited here since the borders reopened have done so for those reasons. The prime minister remarked in parliament that except they are forced to obey the orders of staying at home for the 14 days many will not.  The prime minister said that the country’s greatest risk was the number of persons who have been placed under home quarantine.  According to Holness, some 20,000 home quarantine orders have been issued.  The Prime Minister said, “I am concerned that a number of persons are not strictly observing the home quarantine order and I have asked the JCF to exercise greater vigilance and charge persons who are found to be in breach.”  According to the prime minister, there is evidence that Jamaicans returning from overseas have been breaching the home quarantine orders, and gone as far as to post pictures of their outings on social media. The Prime Minister added,  “All the successes we have had thus far can be undone by just one super spreader, as has been the case in many other countries. ,”  Jamaica currently has a backlog of samples to be tested for the coronvirus.

Islands across the Caribbean
Haiti has recorded 34 new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) bringing the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 7,412 along with 161 deaths. Guyana said that the number of positive cases has passed the 400-mark with the Ministry of Public Health reporting that as of July 30, there were 401 positive cases.  The government of The Bahamas stated that they have had 508 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 14 deaths. Trinidad and Tobago has reported 169 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus with 8 deaths. Barbados to date has reported 110 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 7 deaths. Antigua and Barbuda to date has 91 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Montserrat has reported 2 cases of coronavirus along with 1 death. The Dominican Republic has over 71,000 cases of COVID-19 along with 1170 deaths.
Self-Discipline

Jamaica has 1023 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus as of August 9. There are 67 samples pending. Last week the country recorded close to 70 cases of COVID-19 with the majority being imported. The Jamaican prime minister said his government would have no choice but to go back into shutdown if the COVID-19 numbers had overshot the 1,092 projection of cases, even taking into account the backlog of cases.  It appears that some of us are working overtime to have the country’s border closed again. This will have a domino effect not only on the economy but on people’s lives. We need to be mindful of each other. Self discipline requires us to first respect ourselves, regrettably not many of us do. The observance of the established government protocols will not only benefit those who abide by them but the wider Jamaican populace. Many Jamaicans especially those in the hospitality industry have welcomed with open arms the reopening of the borders, the resumption of operations at  hotels and places of attraction, such as the world famous Dunn’s River Falls and Park. It is safe to say from all projections that the world will be living with COVID-19 for a long time.

In the words of Aristotle, through self-discipline comes freedom.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com

@WayneCamo

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