Restrict movements to control COVID-19

THE EDITOR, Madam:

AS JAMAICA enters a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic, I am urging the Government to reduce the size of the essential worker list in a bid to reduce the number of people who need to travel. This is especially important for the parish of St Catherine, which has been recently locked down.

A lockdown, in my mind, means what it says, and if some persons can leave the parish, the risk of spreading will be much greater, defeating the whole purpose. As for front-line workers, their work should be restricted to the parish. If this cannot be accommodated, I am in support of the temporary relocation of their services within their parish. Absolutely no one should be moving in and out of the parish at this time.

What goes for the goose goes for the gander.

LIVES AT RISK

Additionally, it is apparent that the surname-shopping model needs tweaking, as what currently obtains is not the most workable approach, and its continuation will only put more lives at risk. St Catherine is divided into five development areas: Spanish Town, Linstead, Ewarton, Old Harbour and Portmore. Each division should be given a day to replenish groceries, with an increased time from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from the current 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. window.

Mobile supermarkets should be encouraged to avoid the long lines we have been seeing outside these establishments – having 10 persons inside and 100 outside is preposterous – and, in my humble opinion, goes against the grain of the social-distancing objective. Mobile supermarkets would reduce the need for elders to leave their homes; however, this initiative would need tighter security to ward off criminal elements.

Commendably, some members of parliament (MP) have already started assisting needy constituents, and I suggest others do the same. The assistance should only be given to those who are in dire need, as there are some Jamaicans who believe it is the role of their MPs and councillors to fend for them; this should be discouraged now more than ever. The economic need is great, but let us be cognisant that the exploiters are still roaming the streets.

In concluding, I urge all Jamaicans to stay on board. This too shall pass. However, while it is here, we must all play our part to conquer it. We are a people of resilience, and we should and will shall stand tall in every adversity.

ALEXANDER L. SHAW

Attorney-at-law