Escalation of Deaths And Positive Cases Makes Vaccination a Must - It’s No Longer an Option But a Necessity to Save Lives
The figures speak for themselves. All the five deaths recorded on Thursday happened because the victims were not vaccinated.
While they had pre-existing health conditions COVID-19 hastened death.
That had been the story since this outbreak started in April.
No amount of debate over the impact of vaccination will change this narrative. Figures and science don’t lie. They stand there clearly as daylight and as evidence emphatically telling us that it’s imperative to get vaccinated.
If we choose not to vaccinate, then we are choosing to get infected and die - that’s the bottom line we should be promoting- because that’s the reality.
It’s therefore incomprehensible that there was a debate on whether the Flying Fijians should be wearing jerseys carrying the Vaccinate Fiji banner in their rugby tests against the All Blacks.
Many support the idea because the tests are a big stage to showcase our national efforts in the war against the killer virus.
On Thursday we reached a new record with daily positive cases. We surpassed the 1000 mark - 1220 - and five deaths. The five were not vaccinated.
It’s clear from the initial reaction in the Flying Fijians camp that there was unhappiness about the new jersey. Now they have reached a compromise that says it’s your choice. It’s obviously from the politically correct lobby and human rights activists.
Their influence may have rubbed off on Fijian players plying their trade in Europe.
It’s been radicalised by some fundamental Christian groups in Fiji preaching conspiracy theories laced with selective biblical references. They demonise the vaccine and oppose vaccination.
The reality on the ground destroys this myth and exposes our vulnerability.
The Vaccinate Fiji poster is pretty straight forward. No one is being forced hence the new campaign via the jersey, except for workers who have been told no jab no job. Employers have the right, under a new law, to send workers home if they refuse to be vaccinated.
The new policy is designed to protect all workers and their families.
We have come to a critical juncture in our war against an invisible enemy and we cannot afford to be still debating whether to vaccinate or not.
Vaccination is no longer an option, it’s imperative.
Saying Vaccinate Fiji on one hand and then say it’s your choice on the other seems like a paradox, even a contradiction because it gives a confusing message.
Good messaging goes with clarity and we have missed this opportunity.
That this is happening in the country’s biggest sport is unfortunate. Let’s hope the debate does not distract the players who should be focused on one thing today- stand up to the All Blacks and beat them on their home ground.
They would want to put smiles on the faces of Fijians reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and hopefully impart a message that says- we will overcome by standing in solidarity and doing the right thing.