We have reached a stage with the coronavirus (Covid-19) where it is no longer enough to just talk about taking precautions. The coronavirus has spread to 162 countries, and there have been over 7,000 deaths, with the death count rising by several hundred each day.
Suffice to say, this is the global health emergency of our time, and it must be prioritized above all other matters. However, when it comes to combating the spread of Covid-19, we remain woefully unprepared.
The recent incident of the returnees from Italy -- where a day of mismanagement allowed 142 people to leave quarantine for their homes, without being tested -- shows our inadequacy in dealing with the threat of the coronavirus.
Let’s be blunt. Self-quarantine is a non-starter of a solution. We possess neither the space nor frankly the discipline to make this work. This must be enforced by the authorities, as required.
But for quarantine to be a workable solution, the authorities must ensure that there are sufficient quarantine facilities and that the quarantine process is efficient and effective.
This is very doable.
School premises, universities, dorms, hostels, camp grounds, and even hotel rooms (with compensation paid to hoteliers by the government) should be ready to be used, so that the people who need to be isolated can be isolated, safely and securely.
Additionally, these quarantine facilities must be properly staffed, with cleaning, maintenance, laundry, and catering services on hand so that the facilities remain liveable and the virus can be contained.
It goes without saying that these service-providing workers also must be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, caps, and uniforms, which should be laundered on site.
Limiting social interaction and isolating oneself are integral in these times. The government and the people must work together to fight this crisis.
