The government’s measures create concern, anger and frustration

 

Statement by AKEL C.C. member Marina Savva

24 November 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The measures announced by the government to combat the spread of the pandemic are creating concern, anger and frustration.

Yet again the government is dividing society in a way that is provoking tensions and generating disagreements. The unacceptable imposition of a safe pass for minors is nothing but glaring proof of the government’s failure to handle the pandemic and public health in general.

The first measure that the government should have taken, and has not taken, is to ensure the proper functioning of vaccination centres, which have been in chaos in recent days.

Once again, measures are being decided that leave out the extremely critical aspect of strengthening public hospitals to endure and cope with the rise in the number of covid-19 cases.

Once again, it appears that measures have been taken without prior consultation and scientific data and evidence to support them in public.

That being so, once again the Government is choosing to force vaccination instead of seeking to convince people of the need for vaccination. All through this period it has done very little to inform, enlighten and encourage people to get vaccinated.

We have also heard nothing about decisions to provide support for the sectors that have been economically affected by the measures decided.

For AKEL, vaccination is the self-evident weapon against the pandemic. It also goes without saying that the right of those who choose not to be vaccinated should be respected, provided that they take all measures to protect themselves and protect society as a whole.

The protection of public health must be observed with reverence, but with respect for human rights. It is the government’s responsibility to find ways to do so and it is judged on that because it has not done so up till now.