Stop celebrating
We Maltese love celebrating. When our political party holds a mass meeting or wins some form of election, when it is our village feast and, of course, when our football team wins.
Most people have opted to forgo such celebrations for the time being for the greater good. To protect society by not risking spreading the virus, to adhere to Covid-19 regulations and protect others. Some, however, don’t seem to give a damn.
Last year, Floriana FC supporters celebrated in the streets after their team won the title. This was frowned upon by so many other people, and many spoke about how selfish such actions were. It does not seem like the lesson was learned. Two weeks ago spontaneous celebrations that erupted in the streets of Ħamrun as well as a club after the Spartans won a key match against Valletta FC were put under the microscope after footage appeared on social media showing fans disregarding regulations.
And now, yet again, Ħamrun supporters are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Last Saturday a new video was uploaded, showing fans celebrating Ħamrun’s win over Birkirkara. Among other things, the video shows club president and Gozitan property magnate Joseph Portelli lighting a cigarette inside a catering establishment and supporters celebrating, many with masks down, and looking to be cramped together.
Completely unacceptable. This is not the time to celebrate in this manner. While the rest of us strictly adhere to regulations in order to reduce the risk of transmission, some people opt to act in this manner.
Portelli, as the club President, should also have set an example and not taken part.
The authorities are investigating, have spoken to a number of people who were there and are taking action against a number of them. The police are right to do so. Those found breaking the law should receive the maximum amount in fines possible for any rule breaches committed.
Such celebrations cannot continue to take place. All it takes is one person in the group to be Covid positive for a new outbreak to occur.
Yes there is Covid fatigue, yes we have had restrictions for so long now. But we are doing so well. The vaccine rollout is going ahead as planned, businesses are surviving… the last thing we need is a further spike in numbers.
Carnival was cancelled specifically to avoid large crowds. The nation is making extra efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Some elderly people have been stuck inside for months on end. If the virus is contained, then that might make lives easier for them, thus meaning that they will be able to physically meet family members sooner. If we disregard the Covid rules and number spike, then they will likely remain in isolation for longer periods.
We need to think of each other as well. The authorities need to send stronger messages that such celebrations will not be tolerated.