COVID-19 fight: All hands on the deck

AS the third wave peaks, with many people succumbing to the deadly disease, it is becoming clear that this is slowly becoming a very personal journey which requires individuals and families to take heed and follow all laid-down guidelines. Complacency has no place in this and people just need to know that no one is going to save them but themselves.

Government, with all its shortfalls and boobs, has tried to put in place some mitigatory measures in place to save lives, but the bulk of the population is not paying attention.

When vaccines were first availed, many were hesitant and all sorts of conspiracy theories did the rounds. This discouraged many from taking the jab, which has now resulted in a stampede for the life-saving shots, which sadly are in short supply.

It, therefore, calls on families to make bold decisions to stay in their homes and minimise visits no matter how painful that decision may be.

Many are being infected at family gatherings. Is it not time to draw a line and be the responsible one who halts the spread of the disease?

It is simple logic, we stop moving, the disease also stops spreading.

While we hold government accountable for its shortfalls, we should challenge each other to do our part and stop spreading the disease.

COVID-19 is not going anywhere anytime soon, so we all need to up our game and stay safe as well as keep others out of harm’s way.

It makes sad reading that some people are still holding parties and drinking sprees at shebeens and other illegal drinking places. These events are not only super spreaders, but irresponsible acts of madness.

Some church leaders also need to change their perception and stop holding all-night vigils and private services. Congregants should not be hoodwinked and put their families at risk.

Employers too have a huge responsibility of creating safe working environments for their employees. Regular testing and vaccination are the way to go.

To the vaccinated, a word of advice, the jab will not stop the virus, but will merely lessen the symptoms and give your body a fair fighting chance. It is not a passport to go around without a mask or disregarding social distancing, lest you put others at risk.

How Zimbabwe will weather this storm depends on all of us and this needs a change of mindset.

We all have a role to play.

The unvaccinated should not be discouraged by long queues. Dawn is still way off.