Tread carefully!
Fennell: Each individual will make their own decisions and there are a lot of people who are not prepared to mix with unvaccinated people
Published:Friday | March 18, 2022 | 12:11 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
The rescinding of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) may open the door for a return to sporting events at pre-pandemic levels, but veteran administrator Mike Fennell says that sporting bodies still have to be cautious in how to navigate a full return of events and fans.
His comments come as Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday lifted the restrictions under the DRMA which were enforced two years ago to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The restrictions, including the nightly curfew, have been lifted, starting today. However, Holness said persons will be encouraged to maintain the sanitising measures while masks will be a requirement in enclosed spaces (such as supermarkets and tax offices) until April 15.
Previous sporting events have been held either behind closed doors or with fully vaccinated fans only. Fennell said that, even with the easing of restrictions, some vaccinated patrons may not feel comfortable attending events with persons who chose not to be inoculated.
“Each individual will make their own decisions and there are a lot of people who are not prepared to mix with unvaccinated people. Yes, everything may be opened up but the people who are very protective of themselves may not want to go and mix with anyone who hasn’t practised the same personal discipline,” Fennell told The Gleaner. “So there are a whole lot of considerations. It is not as simple as that.”
Fennell maintains that the sporting bodies are accountable for ensuring the safety of the fans, and must be careful in balancing the freedom they have while ensuring that they are not responsible for another spread.
“The organisers of an event have the responsibility for the safety of their patrons. Yes, the gate is being reopened but we need to see how we can still have the proper procedures so that the patrons can be comfortable, not just free to come in but comfortably enjoying the event,” Fennell said. Under the new arrangements, venues will be limited to 70 per cent capacity.
Sports medicine specialist Dr Paul Wright says that although the majority of countries have moved towards events at full fan capacity, more time should have been given before removing the DRMA.
“We need the positivity rate to be below five per cent for a longer period of time before we start relaxing measures (with) the Government still maintaining the measures for sporting activities until the middle or end of April,” Wright said. “But you can’t expect the public (to be mandated to comply with health regulations) if the DRMA protocols are lifted by the Government.”
With the exception of March 10 and 11, Jamaica reported a positivity rate of five per cent and below this month. February 16 was the last time that Jamaica reported a positivity rate of 10 per cent or higher (10.3 per cent).
Holness said that they still expect persons to remain vigilant in protecting themselves as rescinding of the DRMA does not mean they have won the fight against COVID-19.
“Risks still remain and continued vigilance is necessary,” Holness said.
Jamaica is set to have major sporting events over the next few weeks, which include the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships and the 2022 Carfita Games.