Ineffectiveness of no-movement days

THE EDITOR, Madam

I am writing this letter to you about my views on the recent “no movement days” instituted by the Government. In my opinion, the measures are ineffective. According to government officials, the reason for no-movement days is to limit the spread of COVID-19.

However, current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on an already struggling economy, as well as short and long-term public health. The results, to name a few, include lower childhood vaccination rates, and deteriorating mental health – which is likely to lead to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class, the poor and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. The days immediately before and after the no-movement days have proven to be ‘super spreader’ events. People rush to supermarkets, banks and other places of business. This leads to long lines and congestion, making social distancing and other protocols difficult to maintain.

After approximately more than one and a half years into the pandemic, it is safe to say that it is no longer a novel virus of which we know nothing about. We have useful data that can be used to help us make more informed decisions. We know that vulnerability to death from COVID-19 is more than a thousand-fold higher in the old and infirm than the young.

Indeed, for children, COVID-19 is less dangerous than many other diseases, including influenza. We see where the virus disproportionately affects those who are obese/overweight, elderly and persons with underlying issues. Healthy young people and children do not fall under the risk group. The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally, to build up immunity to the virus naturally, while better protecting those who are at highest risk.

This will put our economy in a better fighting position and eliminate the chaos before and after no-movement days, which are counter-productive.

ROSCENE NANGLE

Communication Studies student

Northern Caribbean University