Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1275149
3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 AUGUST 2020 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications COVID welcome It is inconceivable that mass entertain- ment events were even considered, let alone actively courted for Malta. This when other countries have banned them; when COVID-19 has not so much re- surged, but never went away in the first place. Opening our borders, necessary or not, was always going to be a risk which needed to be carefully managed – not rushing in where others (with brains) fear to tread. As of today, these events seem to be still on the cards, even as we're witnessing the edifying result of the debacle pool party of a couple of week- ends ago. From the half-baked hysteria of "all vulnerable people under your bed!" of last March to this? Is this what all the applause and gratitude to our medical frontliners boils down to? Sure, the economy is important. Which is exactly why it should not be put at risk by wilful ignorance fuelled by the short-sighted greed of the few. What is the point of short-term gain (for the lobby group du jour, as usual) to make hay only to face a probable shutdown for all when the chickens come home to roost? Also, are masks to be worn by law or not? Because if this is the case, how come one continues to see the usual politicians sans mask? This is a place where too many people would blindly leap of a cliff if instructed to by this or that political figure. It would therefore seem even more prudent to lead by example. Anna Micallef Sliema The Association for Consumer Rights (ACR) adds its voice to that of many oth- er Maltese bodies in urging the authori- ties to stop mass events from taking place in Malta for the time being. Another COVID-19 wave would risk the closure of Malta's businesses and the airports once again, with dire consequences on the economy and employment. We are gravely concerned about the serious risks posed to public health by the authorities' decision to permit mass gatherings and events. A second wave raises the health risk particularly to the elderly and vulnerable persons, such as asthmatics and diabetics. As illustrated by the recent closure of a Mater Dei medical ward and the quarantine of medical doctors and nurses, a second wave will deprive many people of vital- ly-needed medical services and inter- ventions, with risk to their health. The authorities are choosing to gamble with the public's health by permitting mass events. Are the authorities also ready to accept any due liability if such permitting leads to the closure and postponement of medical services to patients who require such services? Pauline Azzopardi President, ACR Exams under COVID-19 SDM understands a decision was taken to shift O' Levels and A' Level revision classes from physical meetings in class- rooms, as in previous years, to online. When considering the public health con- cerns that we have been living with for the past few months, SDM welcomes this decision, since having revision classes online will not be threatening students' health and safety. However, if the authorities deemed it safer for revision classes of around 20- 30 students to be held online, what will happen in the examination sessions next month when hundreds of students will be inside the same venue? And when will students be given official notice of what will be happening exactly? Students have been preparing for these examinations for nearly a year now, and it is only understandable that an inevi- table toll on their mental health will be taken given the current situation. Ulti- mately, if the COVID-19 situation in the country continues to worsen and health authorities declare new restrictions; is there a plan in place that will not put students at a disadvantage? If yes, we demand this is discussed with interested parties and communi- cated with all concerned students at the earliest possible time. We find ourselves disappointed that it has been known for a while now that these sessions will take place in August, and yet, it seems that there is a sense of unpreparedness should restrictions be enforced once more. Liam Cassar SDM secretary-general