Complacency is dangerous!
THE soaring numbers of covid-19 infections and the low compliance levels among citizens must not only worry Government but also all Zambians across the country.
Even with enhanced awareness programmes, people are still merry-making in highly congested bars and night clubs without masks.
Social media is awash with images of hundreds of patrons being flogged mercilessly in beer outlets in the night, many of them dead-drunk and screaming their lungs out.
Reports surprisingly suggest that after being smoked out, some of them drove to other night clubs and hideouts, which they thought were safe, but they ended up enduring yet another corporal punishment at the hands of uncompromising law enforcement officers.
A person can never be more embarrassed than being flogged in public with their images splashed all over even for the children and dependents to watch.
One then wonders the reasons for such downright defiance!
Yes, the decision to prosecute bar and night club operators via fast-track court is an appropriate action which will curb illegality.
However, revellers too require to be arraigned! Perhaps the night patrols conducted in Lusaka at the weekend should be replicated to all parts of the country.
This initiative will send a strong signal but should also be done during the day in markets, bus stations and other public places.
Citizens will only respond positively once they notice men and women in uniform patrolling public places and pouncing on defiant persons.
It is difficult to explain the laxity among the residents in the face of the deadly and fast-spreading second wave of the pandemic.
Even with information that the daily infection level has breached the 1,000 mark, people are still complacent.
On Saturday, there were 108 patients on oxygen while 23 people died.
The cumulative total on Saturday stood at 26,567 cases, 464 deaths and 20,512 recoveries and this calls for extra caution.
It will be prudent to enhance awareness programmes in Churches, learning institutions and work places.
Evidently, the virus thrives in cold temperatures as the numbers shoot up significantly and drop drastically in the hot weather.
As Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya, has repeatedly emphasized, citizens ought to demonstrate responsibility by masking up while in public and should also observe physical distance.
Residents must avoid unnecessary movements and also wash their hands regularly to ensure that this pandemic is brought down.
European countries, with modern and advanced medical facilities, are overwhelmed with covid-19 patients and Zambia just needs to take pragmatic action now.
The United Kingdom on Saturday recorded close to 70,000 cases with more than 1,000 deaths while hospitals were overwhelmed with critical cases.
It follows, therefore, that the disease has no boundaries as it can attack the low-income populations as well as the affluent.
In Zambia, high-profile personalities including ministers have been infected by the pandemic.
For once, Zambians must take responsibility and follow the health guidelines so that the numbers can recede.
Schools are opening on January 18 and hence the need to fight his disease vigorously and ensure the school calendar is not negatively affected.
Complacency is dangerous!
PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY