Everyone that read my views, in the early stages of the CORONA virus, will attest to the fact that I was a strong advocate for strict regulations and the 14-21 days lockdown.
It was necessary then to avoid an uncontrollable spread and I have no regrets holding that view then.
I honestly believe that if we had very strict and enforced rules and an Ebola type lockdown, we would have controlled the virus to a lesser extent.
That was my view then, and shared by a good number of people. But we were in the minority…the majority endorsed the authorities’ decision of partial lockdown and not so strict regulations.
Amongst the strong advocates opposing strict regulations and in total condemnation of lockdowns were civil societies and Human Rights Groups.
Also majority of the people were intolerant to the idea and felt the socio economic challenges would have been insurmountable with a strict lockdown.
This is all hypothetical now, and we are four months into the CORONA.
Government has had to ease some restrictions like opening the economy and removing inter district lockdowns. The spread is acceptable now within communities and majority have agreed that the best approach is self-protection, using face masks in public and in crowded areas, and social distancing… Well for most Sierra Leoneans this is the best option. It does not remove the risk entirely, but reduces the risk.
This has been a positive move with a lot of benefits. It has been welcomed by all and, as a people, we are all getting back to normalcy.
Most of us seem to be willing to take the risk but adhering to the guidelines on face mask and social distancing and life goes on.
But there is one restriction that needs to be reviewed – that is, the curfew.
I am sure the President, in his wisdom and based on consultations and advice from the security forces and NACOVERC, justified that curfew was a necessity.
I dare not question the justification nor do I dream of opposing the reasons for the curfew. However, and purely from the Corona spread risk aspect, I would humbly suggest a review.
If the purpose of the curfew is part of restrictions to reduce the risk of spread, the evidence on the beach and the crowd living their life, enjoying their social life gives the impression that the curfew is not in any way necessary, except that it is slowing down economic activities greatly.
I was, for some reason, on Sunday at the beach around 9.45pm, driving slowly along the beach bars. The crowds that I saw having fun and enjoying their social time raised a serious doubt about the essence of the curfew, CORONA RELATED.
I have realised that the so many people advocating for the removal of the curfew may have a point. It does not in any way reduce or prevent the community spread because socialization, in huge numbers, is happening within the current permitted time up to 11pm.
If anything the curfew is slowing down economic growth, especially within the tourism and entertainment industry.
The people want curfew lifted! I think curfew is now unnecessary if its essence is to minimise the risk of transmission of the Corona virus. It may just be an unnecessary obstacle to economic development and return to normalcy.
It may be time to lift the curfew, Mr. President!
I am a friend, not a foe! I mean well!
CREDIT: RODNEY MICHAEL