LET’S WIN THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19 BY STICKING TO THE PROTOCOLS

As we look around or move into public spaces, it becomes manifest that we are collectively reneging on our COVID-19 responsibility to ensure that we do not slide back to lifestyles that enhance the risks of contracting the coronavirus.

It now appears that it is only the banks where one is compelled to go through the washing of hands with soap under free flowing water, application of sanitisers and wearing of nose and face masks.

Leaky compliance points

In several other public places, including pharmacies and public institutions, the guidelines are being relaxed daily, with the markets and public transport getting worse in their compliance commitments as the threats appear to minimise.

Particularly on privately-run buses and minibuses, it is worse as drivers and their assistants violate with impunity the protocols, and by that act, they are unable to enforce the protocols on their buses.

Also on the markets, the previous sight of shops and stalls and warehouses openly displaying their Verona buckets with water and sanitizers as well as tissue paper is giving way to an almost zero presence of those logistics, even at major points of entry into public spaces.

Equally interesting is the fact that those who trade in sanitizers appear to have slowed down because of lack of market from the general public.

Lockdown threat

The last time the President threatened another lockdown, due to the growing impunity, we saw our police men and women actively enforcing the laws on compliance.

Unfortunately, this time, while people still want to have the nose masks on them, because of fear that they could be apprehended along the respective stretches to office or work and back home, the compulsion or commitment to keep the masks on their noses or faces is no longer there.

Collective failure

We are collectively losing our guard when it is common knowledge that the coronavirus variants are constantly mutating, meaning that we are still at risk, despite the presence of vaccines on the market and the current picture of hope regarding the threat.

Sadly, we in the media have also not been currently loud enough on our roles as watchmen in reminding the public about the need to be eternally vigilant in fighting a scourge that knows no barriers and political boundaries.

Of course, the trending issue is the efficacy of vaccines we have procured, and whether we could have accessed them under more favourable terms.

Fair-mindedness

As we dispassionately discuss those issues, however, it is important that we go back to basics, in complying with the basic protocols as stipulated by the World Health Organisation and the Ghana Health Service.

Again, so that we do not lose the fight in our drive to leap the COVID-19 hurdles, let us collectively as stakeholders, civil society, citizens and policymakers and implementers, rediscover the initial vigilance that brought us recognition and accolades – including global economic, business and developmental partnerships.

With Ghana poised to be a likely producer of the vaccine shortly, who knows how great the gains would be as against these understandable concerns about the processes leading to the procurement of the vaccines.

In the opinion of the Daily Statesman, it is imperative that we do not allow life to come to an end merely over these matters that can be addressed today and tomorrow or, better still, through tighter systems.

If we won the initial fight with regard to developing effective systems for tracing, testing and treating, let us also sustain that remarkable feat by continuing to adhere relentlessly to the guidelines on fighting the pandemic.