Covid 19 spread: Are we doing enough?

14 Aug 2021

Covid 19 spread: Are we doing enough?

14 Aug 2021

By Yumiko Perera Sri Lanka has seen a sharp increase in the number of cases and fatalities being reported since the onset of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with the new Delta variant wreaking havoc on the island over the past month, the fresh cases and fatalities being reported across the country has been nothing short of overwhelming. Post the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in mid-April, the countrywide cases that were at an average of 150 a day shot up to an average of nearly 2,500-3,000 cases daily over the past couple of months, whereas the number of lives claimed by the virus has also surpassed the 5,000 mark. While it undoubtedly takes a collective effort to battle the virus, are the people as well as the authorities doing their part in order to control the spread of the virus? The Sunday Morning reached out to several people to understand their perspectives on the matter at hand. Severity of Delta not understood Dishari Silva, 24, undergraduate People are certainly not doing enough to contain the further spread of the virus. Things have got out of hand and even with the Delta variant in the country, people still don’t seem to understand the severity of the situation. The authorities are doing their part, but there are limitations; you can only lead a horse to the water, and I believe the same principle applies here. Regardless of how much the authorities try to contain the virus through travel restrictions, limiting crowds intermingling, etc., if people don’t do their part, then all of it would be in vain. People are still extremely negligent Trevin Perera, 26, undergraduate There is only so much the authorities can do in this regard, and the lesser said about the people would be better. It’s very disheartening to see people still being extremely negligent and downright stupid when it comes to health and safety guidelines. Most don’t seem to have the simplest regard for the others, and it’s really unfortunate. Even today, some folks walk around without masks. People must understand their own safety as well as the safety of their families are in their own hands. But unfortunately, that is precisely what the majority of people in our country have failed to understand. Some people don’t seem to care Kalpa Wijekoon, 32, entrepreneur I think people are aware of the situation the country is facing and are extra cautious. That being said, there is still a small number of people who don’t seem to care. The meter’s distance is nothing but a mere joke at this point, and even in the vaccination drives, there were so many instances where the public seemed to have forgotten to follow simple rules. Practice of Covid guidelines unsatisfactory Vinuri Hewage, 24, undergraduate People seem to be very keen on getting the vaccines and have shown great enthusiasm. However, the practice of Covid-19 guidelines isn’t satisfactory in the least, and most have let their guard down. Now is not the time to throw caution to the wind, and the health authorities, along with the media, have been reminding the general public time and again about proper health practices, but only a handful of people follow them precisely. The discipline of the people, or the lack thereof, plays a key part in the spread of the virus, but most people don’t seem to be taking things seriously and it’s very inconsiderate. The authorities are giving their best, but it goes without saying that all that effort would be for nothing if people fail to do their bit. The threat has only increased Sahan Fernando, 29, software engineer I don’t think the people are not doing enough; they need to be more careful because the situation is only turning worse. The authorities should also not downplay the severity of the situation, which I see happening quite often, especially when it comes to parliamentarians and politicians who seem to have a lot of opinions. But we need to prepare ourselves for the worst-case scenario, and the people are yet to realise that the threat has only increased. People need to ensure own safety Shahane P., 23, banker Some people don’t even do the bare minimum and it puts so many others at risk. There are so many awareness programmes, and honestly, taking proper safety measures isn’t something that you should follow because somebody expects you to. The mindsets of the people need changing, their attitudes need to change, and if it doesn’t, then I don’t see how the country would make any progress in battling the virus. The authorities have done their part, albeit with several shortcomings, but it’s up to the people to ensure their safety. Vaccination only option now Lahiru Chathuranga, 31, systems analyst I don’t think the people are doing enough to control the spread of Covid; there is a very minimal effort on the part of the people, which is why I believe the authorities must use stricter measures against those who don’t follow health guidelines such as social distancing or wearing a face mask. The Delta variant is spreading fast and is deadlier. I guess the only option at this point is to make sure all people in the country are vaccinated. More awareness of virus needed Malki Fernando, 18, student People are trying to be careful as much as they can, but it’s unfortunate how the country has not made any progress. More awareness of the virus needs to be communicated to the people. Certain misconceptions people have about vaccinations, I think, is another contributing factor. There are so many misleading posts on social media and some people believe everything they read, which is why I think proper awareness is what most people lack. The only way to stop the spread is to understand your safety is in your own hands.

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Covid 19 spread: Are we doing enough?

Covid 19 spread: Are we doing enough?

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