The next step

Tuesday, 31 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In the past 10 days the Police have arrested 6,850 people for breaking curfew and 1,643 vehicles have been detained. It is very likely that some of these people may have been on the roads for less-than-urgent reasons but the sheer numbers also indicate that people are out on the roads because they have essential requirements that need to be met.

At a time when supply chains are stressed to creaking point, large numbers of people are awaiting essential goods, people are running out of cash, and companies are wondering how to pay their staff, it is important the Government put forward a clear plan for the coming month so people can feel more secure.

Customary long queues were seen in nine districts as curfew was lifted for a few hours. There were equally long lines outside pharmacies as people struggled to grab their needs in the seven hours that were allocated. The situation in districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy and Jaffna where indefinite curfew has been imposed is also becoming dire.

Many people are complaining that deliveries of essential goods are not reaching them, many areas are replying on small-scale suppliers to provide them with fruits and vegetables. Even if the Sathosa lorries reach residential areas, they often have a selected few items and not what is needed. People are also worried that if the situation is extended they may run of cash completely.

Major supermarkets are completely overwhelmed and unable to deal with the massive influx of orders. At least two of the three major supermarket chains attempted to introduce a selection of packages but of about four or five different packages only two are available and even that has to be ordered by phone. One supermarket that has tried to allow consumers to select what they want has been unable to meet demand. Overall there is a deserved consensus that all supermarkets have failed to invest adequately in their online capacities and have been completely unable to meet demand.

Even for the fortunate people who managed to stock up on essentials, replenishing goods has become a struggle as many of the pre-packaged options only give more of what people have, without the option of letting them select what is needed. Supply of medicines is becoming an ever-growing concern, especially given the high component of elderly in Sri Lankan society. Osu Sala simply does not meet demand and other service providers will have to be brought on board if curfew continues.

All indications are that curfew does need to continue. The Government declared this week a ‘Work from Home’ period even though curfew makes this a moot point for many. It is clear from lockdowns of several villages that community spread of COVID-19 remains a very real threat in Sri Lanka and lifting curfew could precipitate a very serious healthcare crisis.

For people to prepare, they must know what the future will bring. Therefore, it is essential that the Government steps up and gives an indication to the people of how much longer curfew may last. Sri Lanka still does not seem to have the capacity for large-scale testing. It is imperative that curfew continues, but then more inclusive, innovative steps that are clearly communicated to the public must be taken. The people will certainly be on board, but they must know what is coming so they can prepare.