Letter of the Day | Restrict the unvaccinated!
Published:Thursday | November 18, 2021 | 6:52 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
It was heart-warming to see 5,000 vaccinated spectators inside the National Stadium for the crucial World Cup qualifier between the Reggae Boyz and the USA. I’m sure many unvaccinated wished they were vaccinated.
This has to be the approach to cautiously reopen other sectors, in sports and entertainment. As international travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, most countries now require a vaccination certificate for entry, which is an additional restriction for those choosing to remain unvaccinated. People have the right to refuse the vaccine, but they must be prepared to deal with the consequences to minimise the risks.
It has been almost two years into this pandemic, there have been over 253 million COVID-19 infections reported globally, and over five million deaths from the virus. As the race to vaccinate much of the world’s population continues, restricting the rights of the unvaccinated might be the only way out of this pandemic along with the continuation of health and safety protocols. The unvaccinated are slowly becoming the minority in some countries, and although the vaccines are not a cure, it reduces the risk of severe outcomes with infection, illness and even death, from the virus.
Some countries in Europe are once again reporting a surge in daily case numbers, countries such as Austria, Germany, Netherlands have all seen spikes. Austria recently ordered a national lockdown specifically targeting the unvaccinated. For 10 days, unvaccinated persons are under a curfew, they must remain at home except for essentials such as getting groceries, going to work or going to get their vaccination. Police have been given specific instructions to check status and press charges if necessary. While this may seem extreme, the unvaccinated are becoming the most vulnerable and high-risk group and will have to endure the consequences with additional layers of restriction.
P. CHIN