Garth Rattray | DRMA is gone but COVID-19 still remains

From all indications, several parliamentarians/ministers of government jumped the gun by attending the Shenseea ‘Alpha’ album launch at Romeich Entertainment headquarters on March 15. Not only did the police report that no permission was granted for the hosting of the event, but the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) was still in force; therefore, masking and distancing were still (legally) required.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton was among the several parliamentarians who were seen and photographed mixing at close quarters, laughing and chatting without masks in a crowd of merrymakers, most of whom were similarly without masks. Obviously, the DRMA was being blatantly flouted. Following the exposure of what had transpired, the health and wellness minister expressed that he regretted the impression given. In a Gleaner interview, the minister is reported as saying, “The images represent poor optics and could send the wrong message to the population around COVID protocols, leadership and personal responsibility at this very important time in our pandemic response… .”

Having lost so many close friends, patients, and colleagues to COVID-19; having witnessed the suffering and unimaginable pain that the pandemic brings. Having seen and (to some extent) experienced financial loss from the situation; having been a victim of the virus who is still experiencing long-term problems. Having stuck to the protocols and remained at home for over two years. Having tried so hard to do my little part to inform and guide citizens about the pandemic; and because I know that the pandemic is definitely not over. I am unhappy to hear words like ‘optics’, ‘perceptions’, ‘impression’, and terms like “could send the wrong message” being used to cloud the harsh reality of the legal and ethical offences committed.

FANCIFUL DREAM

Obviously, egalitarianism is only a fanciful dream. In trying to explain the disparities in society, George Orwell expressed it well in his best selling book, Animal Farm, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” So, in an effort at damage control, the prime minister (PM) was reported as announcing (on Thursday, March 17) that “…every minister not wearing a mask should be fined $100,000, and the money donated to a fund for the defence of people charged under the DRMA”.

Meanwhile, back at the World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday, March 16, at a virtual press conference, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated clearly that after several weeks of decline, reported cases of COVID-19 are once again increasing globally. The WHO feels that the cases being seen are just the tip of the iceberg. Ghebreyesus went on to state that when cases increase, so do deaths. He said that local outbreaks and surges are to be expected, particularly in areas where measures to prevent transmission have been lifted.

He emphasised that unacceptable levels of mortalities are occurring in countries with low vaccination levels among the susceptible population. He stressed that each country is facing its own situation and challenges, and he repeatedly said that, “…the pandemic is not over”. He then said, “We call on all countries to remain vigilant … continue to vaccinate, test, sequence, provide early care for patients, and apply common-sense public health measures to protect health workers and the public”.

And, back at Gordon House, on March 17, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that “…effective March 18, 2022, the order and all the measures under the Disaster Risk Management Act will be withdrawn”. The press report went on, “Mr Holness noted that while the Government acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, it must be mainstreamed into the general, normal management of public health, safety and public order”.

He acknowledged that the risks remain and that we still need vigilance (especially for the vulnerable), so some measures will remain and incorporated into the regulations issued under the Public Health Act instead. Among the retained measures are the need for COVID-19 positive individuals to quarantine/isolate; handwashing/sanitising; mandated mask wearing in (some) enclosed areas (to be retained until April 15, 2022); and pre-testing for travel within three days before departure (for review on April 15, 2022).

NO LONGER MANDATED

Physical distancing will now be highly recommended, but no longer mandated. The PM went on, “Curfews will come to an end, but we still recommend that you use your discretion, staying out late only if it is a must and ensuring your safety and security.”

The wearing of masks inside buildings was mandatory, but some people pull them down once they enter a building. And, most people out in public places hardly ever wear masks, or usually wear them on the chin or under the nose. Now that physical distancing will only be highly recommended and left up to people’s discretion, I daresay that it won’t be observed or enforced. I have repeatedly seen crowding at various places, where people stand shoulder to shoulder and back to belly.

Upon hearing of the discontinuation of the restrictions, many people are breathing a sigh of relief and abandoning all safety protocols. The sensible ones will continue wearing masks, sanitising effectively and physical distancing, because they know that we are only experiencing a lull in the pandemic, and other strains are emerging and spreading. This dangerous virus is very unpredictable and plays by its own rules – lifting the DRMA means nothing to it, so be careful.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and garthrattray@gmail.com.