Health security and protection

Wednesday, 29 April 2020 03:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A fresh Task Force has been assembled to improve COVID-19 countering measures at the camps used by security forces following nearly 200 Navy personnel and their families testing positive for the virus over the last few days. The relatively large number of personnel who were on leave in various parts of the country also testing positive raised much concerns about the ever-present threat of community spread. The cluster also resulted in the cancellation of all leave for the military and return to camps with even some schools being used to house the extra personnel.

It is absolutely imperative that frontline staff are given absolutely the best protection possible. Given that the Army and the Navy have been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 countering measures, it is a significant lapse that stronger measures were not taken earlier to ensure that there were appropriate safeguards within the camps to promote social distancing and other protections. The sheer numbers within camps also make the possibility of COVID-19 spread a truly frightening possibility, especially since some contain family quarters as well.

Given the immense dedication and professionalism displayed by the essential services including the tri-forces, a grateful public would not want to see any of these people harmed. There is heightened concern over whether they are getting the needed protective gear and if sufficient tests are being conducted to ensure the highest levels of protection. Cancelling leave is at best a short-term measure. It is clear that COVID-19 will result in a new normal and therefore members of the tri-forces will need to be supported for an extended period of time so they can continue to be healthy and lead normal lives, so they in turn can look after the health of the country.

In previous instances whether it was the war, the Easter Sunday attacks or the numerous natural disasters, at every turn the many thousands of members of the tri-forces have been the bedrock of the public’s confidence. But COVID-19 is different from many of these previous events. There is no enemy here except for the virus and that will be a very different challenge to everyone. At this point it is protection and appreciation that is most useful and the Government has to ensure the narrative is more about their humanity than glorification of their “sacrifice”. The best way to show appreciation is to promote the health security and protection of the security forces so that they in turn can aid with COVID-19 countering measures long-term.

This shift in narrative is especially necessary given the backlash some of the patients and their families are facing. The Defence Ministry earlier this week called on media outlets to be more ethical when reporting about COVID-19 patients and requested they refrain from accompanying public health officials when they visit homes. There is absolutely no doubt such unethical practices need to be stopped immediately, but this again should have been done earlier, especially when there was racial and ethnicity based profiling by some of the local media outlets.

Sri Lanka needs to accept that COVID-19 is a long-term issue that will require solidarity, proactive policies and professionalism. Perhaps most importantly it will demand compassion and consistency.