Michael Abrahams | COVID-19 is a test of our discipline – and we failed

When COVID-19 first made its appearance in Wuhan, China, late last year, many of us thought it was their problem and it would soon go away. Now it has become a colossal global pain in the ass that does not appear to be going away any time soon.

At first little was known about the virus. We did not, and still do not know how long people are immune after getting infected. We are unsure how many strains of the novel coronavirus exist. Scientists keep discovering new symptoms. It has been said that managing the COVID-19 pandemic is like “building the airplane as we fly it”. It is a great analogy.

However, as we observe and research, certain facts have been established. We now know that regular handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks make a difference. Our Government had difficult decisions to make regarding closing and reopening our borders. On one hand, closing our borders limits the number of people infected with the virus entering the country. On the other hand, we depend heavily on tourism, and keeping people out will adversely affect the income and quality of life for thousands of Jamaicans.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

It was therefore left to us, the populace of this country, to obey rules and guidelines to limit the spread of this disease. But we have not.

We have been told ad nauseam to wear masks and avoid large gatherings. But we disobey. From in the early days of the pandemic, people, including public figures, have been brazenly ignoring rules and flouting laws. Not only that, but some have even been sharing videos of their activities on social media. People are gathering and partying, many with no masks. Jamaicans are coming to the island from countries riddled with the virus, and not isolating themselves. There are church folk who ignore protocols, believing that God will protect them or heal them if they fall ill.

There was a time when we would be told of a few cases per day. We would be informed where they are from and from where they likely contracted the virus. Nowadays, however, things are different. In recent days, scores of new cases are being reported every 24 hours, from multiple communities. More and more workplaces are being shut down and sanitised. Public figures are now being diagnosed. And more people are dying.

We are in the community spread phase of this crisis. In other words, we no longer need people to bring the germ into the country for it to spread among us. We are doing a great job by ourselves. The virus now appears to be out of control. I recall watching in horror the chaos that ensued in parts of Italy, and in New York, when the infection rates peaked in those places. Hospitals and morgues were overwhelmed as death rates soared. I expressed gratitude that at least in Jamaica we were not doing so badly. Now I no longer feel as confident.

We the people of this country have messed this up royally. But it gets worse. I thought our Government was doing a good job of putting things in place to control the spread of the disease. Then they called an election. And began to campaign. And the opposing party followed suit. Calling an election is one thing, but my friend and human rights advocate Susan Goffe made a valid point when she tweeted, “Many professions and businesses have had to change the way they work and do business because of #COVID19. Why not politicians? Why not stop having drive through and motorcades?”

I agree. When an election is called in the middle of a pandemic, when community spread is vigorously under way, our populace is placed at risk. Nomination day was a public health nightmare. Large crowds gathering, people mingling, many with no masks, while our leaders socially distanced themselves from responsible behaviour.

I am not happy. I am concerned. I am disappointed. It is clear that political power is more of a priority for some than the health of our people. In the meantime, I ask that those of us who know better, do better. Wash your hands regularly. Wear a mask. Practise social distancing as best you can. We are all at risk.

The management of COVID-19 in this country has been a test of our discipline … and we have failed miserably. At all levels.

Michael Abrahams is an obstetrician and gynaecologist, social commentator and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and michabe_1999@hotmail.com, or tweet @mikeyabrahams.