Closing airports is not the best option

May 08, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I am of an opposing point of view with an article in KN on May 5 of a well-known hotel establishment’s point person’s view on the ability to ensure enforcement of curfew measures; if only the airports were closed. First, its doubtful inbound passengers are either spreading COVID-19 or complicating enforcement matters. The spread here is entirely being “promoted,” for lack of a better word, by individuals engaging in irresponsible behaviour and being lax about preventative measures. Guyana isn’t unique in the uptick of cases. Closing the airport(s) will have no significant impact to the overall situation and plays no factor in curfew measures, especially when other measures in the government’s toolkit aren’t being pushed effectively. The willingness to adhere to curfew enforcement and non-group gathering activities is strictly a local issue. Alternatively, instead of closing airports as some would suggest, make it mandatory that anyone leaving or entering the country must at least show proof of at least getting one vaccine shot, as some countries are doing. (eg. Israel).
Israel as a country has done exceptionally well in getting the majority of their country vaccinated and therefore have opened up; still, individuals have to show proof of being vaccinated in many situations. In countries that have taken a tough and responsible stance, hotels are open for guests only, but indoor bars/restaurants are closed, and there are no large group activities indoors. However, in those same countries that are now opening up to larger indoor activities and such (i.e. indoor bars/casinos and restaurants), that is occurring because a growing segment of the population have at least had one vaccine shot, the mortality rate is low, so too is the infectious rate. Guyana is not there yet.
On the other end of the spectrum, Japan with citizens globally recognised as some of the most disciplined in the world, is seeing a rise in cases and has declared a state of emergency in at least six major regions, curfew and all, early closings and all. Closing the airport isn’t part of their game plan – so far. Rather they are dealing with this fluid situation by strictly controlling behavioural attitudes from within the population. In summary, better to deal with the situation effectively – from within.

Sincerely
Chi Kansi

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