Be crystal clear about unmasking

THE EDITOR: Recently the people of this country got the good news that the mask mandate would be dropped on Sunday. This announcement was made by the Prime Minister when he returned from recent travels.

What a glorious sigh of relief! However, the wearing of masks would still be recommended in some areas.

I would like to kindly ask the respective authorities to be crystal clear regarding their decisions moving forward. Just because something is recommended or suggested does not mean someone is obligated or can be forced to obey.

The authorities need to be very specific as to if someone can still be charged for not wearing a mask even in places where it is recommended to be worn, since a recommendation is not a rule or a law.

I am sure everyone can safely say that, during the pandemic, the authorities in the Government would have made some decisions that lacked logic, reason or a shred of common sense. They made decisions that enabled the rich to get richer while the poor continued to suffer tremendously.

I often dreaded the start of those health conferences since I was mentally exhausted with the nonsense that had taken place regarding the mask mandate. I am begging for common sense to remain common or let good sense prevail.

At this stage no one should be charged for not wearing a mask. If someone refuses to wear a mask somewhere, the owner or manager can refuse entry, although this rule can lead to many problems.

People who should still wear a mask should be doctors, nurses, surgeons, lab technicians and all those in private and public healthcare facilities, once they are liaising with patients.

People who should also continue to wear a mask should be those in the food industry. I know it is difficult but perhaps for the next two months they should do so until the virus becomes weaker.

Also, I agree that people with a vulnerable immune system should wear a mask if they choose to. And an unvaccinated person should have to wear one to alert anyone else of his or her vaccination status.

Why was it recommended that those attending religious services or those at indoor gatherings should keep wearing a mask? And what exactly constitutes to an indoor congregation or setting? A house, a bar, a fete, a pub? I would like to know. Will the police go to an indoor gathering to charge people if they choose not to wear a mask?

An indoor gathering can include a school or a community centre or a meeting place, etc. How many people must be in an indoor gathering for a mask to be worn? Can the Minister of Health be specific, please?

J ALI

Port of Spain