Organisers to take blame

SUPERSPREADERS: FESTIVALS ARE MELTING POT FOR VIRUS INFECTIONS

Screening ineffective because most spreaders, like those at the Rage Festivals, are asymptomatic.

Organisers of music events and festivals, such as the superspreader Rage Festival, could be criminally charged and possibly sued for not enforcing Covid-19 regulations should attendees contract the virus at their events.

The recent matric Rage Festival in Ballito was flagged as a superspreader event by Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize at the weekend and he urged attendees to quarantine for 10 days, due to some testing positive for Covid-19.

According to a health practitioner in Hillcrest, there was an influx of teenagers requiring Covid-19 testing over a 48-hour period last week, with 95% testing positive and almost all being asymptomatic.

“This has been largely due to them attending the annual matric Rage event and having multiple friends who tested positive for Covid-19,” said Dr Kams Govender.

Such events, including music concerts, were dangerous as they could quickly multiply infections, said Stellenbosch University epidemiologist Dr Jo Barnes.

“Let’s say there were 20 kids [who were infected] and 1 000 people were in the audience and 200 got it – that 200 would take it to 200 different homes and spread

There is arguably a civil penalty if organisers are not complying with regulations

Safura Abdool-Karim Public health lawyer

it to three or more people. That is where the ‘super’ in superspreader comes in. It multiplies so fast.”

“Where there are Rage Festivals and places where there are music concerts of that sort, the music is loud and people shout and can’t hear one another and there are droplets flying around. They are also packed close together,” she said.

Rage Festival organisers said in a statement that regulations and protocols were put in place, including daily prescreening, temperature checks and a no-touch policy on arrival and at bars, with a Covid-19 compliance officer at all events.

Video footage, however, showed otherwise.

In videos shared on Instagram by some teens, the event looked like a pre-pandemic party with drinks flowing, performances, dancing and singing and no signs of social distancing.

Organisers of such events can be held liable for not complying with Covid-19 regulations as provided for in the Disaster Management Act and face a maximum six-month prison term or a fine.

Those who contract the virus due to organisers not enforcing the rules could sue them, said public health lawyer Safura Abdool-Karim.

“There is a criminal penalty and arguably a civil penalty.

“There could be a civil claim if the organisers are not complying with regulations and ... these can be instituted by people who are infected but also parents of attendees or dependants. That is something which can unfold and it’s an option to pursue.”

“Screening for fevers and symptoms does little as most spreaders are asymptomatic … it’s on the organiser.”

Asked whether the health department would take any action on the organisers, spokesperson Popo Maja said they were weighing their options.

“So far, we have received positive cooperation from the organisers,” he said.