Take every precaution with bazaars

Enforcement of SOP must be stringent to avoid Covid-19 resurgence

THE government recently announced that Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Ramadan bazaars will be allowed this year, on the condition strict standard operating procedures (SOP) are followed. All the usual SOPs apply, of course, and the authorities have added on measures, such as designating points for entry and exit, holding the bazaars in open spaces and controlling the number of visitors. Allowing bazaars to reopen has been much welcomed by traders, which they have waited for a long time. Their livelihoods were severely impacted last year when they were not allowed to do business because of the Movement Control Order. It is also welcomed by visitors who like to patronise bazaars, who comprise Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

There is, however, a flip side to all this. There are those who feel it is still too early to allow the bazaars to open. Our daily Covid-19 numbers are still in the four-digit range and there is great risk that the virus will spread when people crowd in a public space, even an open one. Physical distancing is difficult, if not impossible. They cannot be blamed. Yes, our numbers are on a downward trend and the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) is ongoing. But we are still not quite there as far as numbers are concerned, and we are only in the first phase of vaccinations. To compound matters, the coronavirus has mutated several times, with new potent strains popping up. Restrictions have been relaxed in many countries and now, it appears that more cases are being reported again worldwide. Last month, Japan reportedly recorded 151 cases of the coronavirus variants from Britain, South Africa and Brazil. The nation has more than 400,000 cases, with more than 7,500 fatalities. Hong Kong, it was reported, is getting ready to face its fifth wave of infections, while the Philippines is facing a surge with 5,404 new cases on Monday alone — the country’s highest single-day count since August last year. That was even after its government enforced stringent stay-at-home orders in the most populous regions. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for increased screening and tougher restrictions from the leaders of various states after the South Asian country’s own downward trend in infections made a complete U-turn.

So, while we rejoice that life is slowly getting back to normal with bazaars opening and other activities picking up, we have to remember that the virus is still out there. We are not privy to all SOP set for bazaars, although the ones that have been set out appear adequate. But we may need stricter regulations. Mention was made of restricting the number of visitors. What about the number of stalls? The onus is on the health authorities and local councils to come up with comprehensive SOPs. More importantly, these SOPs must be stringently enforced without compromise. If this does not happen, the country will face another surge in cases and that is something we can ill afford.

Restrictions have been relaxed in many countries and now, it appears that more cases are being reported worldwide again.