Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic
THE EDITOR, Madam:
NAVIGATING THROUGH the COVID-19 pandemic will not be an easy feat for us as a nation, as we seek to avoid the catastrophe that has befallen other more developed nations. Much more than we would ever conceive is at risk as we struggle to keep the economy alive. Just before we cast blame and point fingers, let us see how we can make things better for one another, and our country.
Whereas the initial response to contain the spread was remarkable, and the administration should be commended for this, we cannot sit on our laurels and romanticise the past. If we are not careful, the good work done to first prevent the disease from reaching our shores, and then to contain the spread, can easily be undone by ineffective measures employed to curtail it. The unpredictability of this disease demands that there be constant gear changing, and focused attention on the evolving core issues. While there is a flood of information, all concerned should engage in active listening – citizens listening to Government and adhering to directives, and Government listening to the cries of the people to improve application of measures geared towards solution.
The buzzword is now social distancing, but as observed in the news and social media, actions suggest that ‘the more we are together, the happier (sicker) we shall be’. Let us not forget that this is a crisis, and that in times of crises, actions and considerations are often tipped off balance. While curfews and lockdowns are seemingly good medication to counteract COVID19, an overdose or misapplication can be devastating.
Let us remember that our focus is not just to help people stay home, but that if and when they leave home, there should be a minimal opportunity to contract the virus. The current situation of the short time span to transact business on a limited number of days has already shown that far too many persons share the same space. Thankfully, the Government has already seen the need to extend hours.
It is obvious that we do not only need ventilators to keep COVID19-infected people alive, but we also need ‘economic ventilators’ for all affected by the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic. One notable act of commendation is the diversion of food supplies from the hotel and tourism sector to the local market. If possible, it would be helpful to have more outlets for these supplies so that persons travel less, and converge in smaller gatherings. This may mean forging partnerships with community organisations who will help to acquire and distribute food supplies, especially to some of our most vulnerable citizens.
It would serve us well to re-engineer some of our business strategies so that we safeguard against some losses. If we are not careful, much food can go to waste, if the demand and supply chain is not appropriately adjusted.
As responsible citizens, we should act with allegiance to our motto – out of many, one people – as the entire nation is at risk, and the entire nation is affected, as all nations of the world are affected. Let us choose to protect ourselves and those within our spheres as best as possible. A safe journey may not be without casualties, but with careful planning, corporate governance, and discipline, we can minimise fatalities.
PASTOR DANE AL FLETCHER Youth and Chaplaincy Director Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists