Editorials

Enforce the fresh Covid-19 rules for bars, nightclubs

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Bars and nightclubs are easily the weakest link in the battle against the pandemic. FILE PHOTO | NMG

As part of efforts to strengthen the war on Covid-19, a new set of rules governing behaviour in bars and nightclubs has been put in place for bars and nightclubs.

The measures include a requirement that the businesses hire liaison officers to ensure that drinkers adhere to the public health protocols.

The liaison officers will play the important role of controlling the number of revellers in drinking joints in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines. They will also be tasked with reporting suspected cases of Covid-19 among staff and drinkers.

These rules are timely and should be enforced strictly.

Bars and nightclubs are easily the weakest link in the battle against the pandemic.

Since they were allowed to operate, following months of Covid-induced shutdowns, many of them have broken rules that require them to ensure patrons keep social distancing, for example.

If enforced accordingly, these and other measures will go a long way in curbing the spread of the virus while ensuring that bar businesses continue to operate. It is worth noting that bars were the most affected by the restrictions put in place for four months beginning May. It is, therefore, in the best interest of the bar and nightclub owners to ensure that these new regulations are complied with.

And it is not just bars and nightclubs that should be expected to step up compliance with protocols.

Those in charge of all public places should remain vigilant and ensure the people within their spaces follow the guidelines by the Ministry of Health. Individuals must ensure that they wash their hands, wear a face mask and practise social distancing at all times. These simple instructions are crucial at this time when the second wave of the coronavirus has yet to ebb.

Since the easing of restrictions in September, there has been a worrying uptick in new infections and fatalities.

The country has confirmed more than 80,000 cases from 47,843 on October 23. This means there have been on average 998 infections daily in the last 30 days. It is time to step up adherence to the public health rules, not to relax.