The state of emergency being prolonged until May 17 is disappointing news to most. People naturally want to get back to some semblance of normalcy, having been locked down since April 5, with a severe socioeconomic impact and raising much concern over the immediate future.
When that “new reality” as Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs mentioned finally starts, it will be in a phased manner. More certainty over the local infection rate and flattening the curve are among the requirements, along with several days of no new cases,
One must not forget that this is first and foremost a health crisis and ultimately a matter of life and death. It is thus completely justified that medical issues remain the primary criteria.
What also played a role in this latest decision was compliance with the restrictions on movement, or rather lack thereof. Examples of the latter are the recent impromptu J’ouvert celebrations and clients crowding outside GEBE from early morning to pay their utility bills, despite having been repeatedly told service would not be cut.
Nevertheless, there are other things to consider, like the general welfare of the population in terms of being able to provide for themselves. Aid is distributed to the needy, but they cannot feed the whole country every day.
To put things in their proper perspective, this regards only a one-week extension from what had already been decreed. The possibility for adjustments and relaxing measures in the meantime is always there, as recent experience has shown.
The behaviour of residents when it comes to obeying the rules while practising social distancing and wearing masks in public places will be determining factors.
