Exaggerations and negligence are undermining trust in the measures

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 1 April 2020, Nicosia

No logical person disagrees with drastic measures being implemented to restrict the spread of coronavirus. After all, it is citizens themselves who with their reactions forced President Anastasiades to make a second televised address and take strict and drastic measures. That is precisely why Cypriot society overwhelmingly – as demonstrated by the figures from police controls – follows and respects the measures.

The problems start when the balance between the necessary measures and citizen’s dignity is lost; when measures are taken that are in practice not applicable; when sloppy and contradictory decisions are made, or when the government says one thing and then changes its mind. This has been done on a number of occasions, such as the decree on home inspections, the decree to close construction sites and subsequently with the exception of those where up to three people are working, the decree to move out of one’s home only once a day and others. Such cases justify people’s reactions.

But what is more annoying are blatantly provocative actions – such as the DISY President’s visit to a public hospital accompanied indeed by a camera crew – at a time when relatives of patients have been prohibited from visiting hospitals. We are still waiting for explanations and answers from the Minister responsible as to who and why this permission was given. If of course such permission was granted.

Exaggerations and negligence are undermining people’s trust in the measures. AKEL will continue to support every measure that is effective, scientifically substantiated, reasonable and lawful in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. Our appeal to citizens is to continue implementing the measures.