Over the past few weeks and months, much of the public’s guard against the Covid-19 pandemic had come down. As the number of reported Covid-19 cases dropped in previous weeks, most probably assumed that the worst was behind them and a number of aspects resumed normalcy. Hand sanitizers which were a common feature in most people’s pockets and bags slowly became rare. Hand washing facilities across entry to a majority of buildings over time were not refilled as fast as was the case in June. A number of rules have been openly flouted and multiple measures not adhered to. For instance, the one meter distance advisory in a majority of public spaces remains only in writing as temperature checks when entering public buildings. This was probably also driven by the global excitement in recent weeks about advances and approvals of vaccines which are expected to lead to the resumption of normality before most forget what it felt like. The turn of events in 2020 saw most start to forget how a packed concert stadium felt like. Over time, the drop in guard is starting to have visible consequences going by the number of cases reported as well as mortalities. If not curbed in time, the consequences could end up costing the economy further as well as livelihoods and economic growth. For instance, public transport companies will for the next few weeks have to operate at 50 per cent capacity losing revenue and probably leaving members of the public inconvenienced. The same applies to hospitality establishments which are likely to see a drop in clientele in coming weeks going by the new measures adopted by cabinet this week. If the status quo does not change, the gains in recovery made risk depletion as further measures to curb the spread of the pandemic could affect social and economic progress. Keeping the guard up at all times in all places can not only be maintained under supervision by health and security officials. While police and health officials cannot be at every building entrance to ensure that those walking in have sanitized, all members of the public can play a part, however small, to maintain measures and avoid depletion of progress made in recent months.
