STOP THE SOCIAL CONGESTION!

Comment

What will it take for government to see an obvious threat and actually get to do something about it?
Long queues snaking into shops and supermarkets have become a common feature in our towns and cities, because businesses have been restricted to operating during certain hours of the day on selected days of the week.

The limited operating hours, health officials say, are part of social distancing measures aimed at limiting numbers and reducing exposure to COVID-19 infection. We are most certain that health officials have realised that this arrangement has failed dismally.

numbers

If anything, it has had the direct opposite effect of drawing large numbers of people on the selected days, all trying to get their shopping done within the stipulated time, which is hardly sufficient.
This is very high exposure and has the potential to create mini hotspots for COVID-19. It is also a deterrent for business – not many people have the time and patience to wait in line.

After several weeks of this poor planning, health authorities should have revisited the idea and reverted to normal operating hours for the businesses every day of the week, which would effectively remove the mad rush to beat the queue.
As a matter of fact, the business community had suggested allowing 24 hour trading hours in order to provide ample time for those at work to do their shopping after hours and ease the day-time congestion.

sense

We are encouraged, though, to hear that some common sense has rained on the Manzini city authorities, who have extended the 5:00pm curfew to 8:00pm.
This extension should not be limited to supermarkets.

As government prepares to open more businesses and announce the regulations guiding their operations, doing away with the social congestion guidelines should definitely form part of this announcement.

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