The increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases in T&T and the deaths that follow show three things that must concern us all.
The first is the country has not brought this latest wave under control, the second is there is insufficient discipline amongst the population in the face of this ongoing deadly pandemic and finally, the low level of vaccinations leaves us vulnerable.
On the first count, the public health measures that have been taken are all within the guidelines that have worked in the past and have shown to be effective globally in slowing, if not eliminating, the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
It may be that it is insufficient time to see a difference, but the Government will have to be guided by the Ministry of Health if there are other measures that may be necessary to put a dent into this wave before it overpowers us all.
We only have to look at the harrowing scenes in India to see how easily uncontrolled COVID-19 could overwhelm a health system.
The second thing is the COVID-19 fatigue and indiscipline. Everyone was aware that there would be great danger in the mass gatherings that occurred just before and over the Easter weekend.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley completely missed the point when people raised what happened in Tobago.
The reality is that there were many videos of beach parties, parties at the Nylon Pool and other parts of Tobago as people sought to get a much-needed break from the challenging period we are all in.
To therefore make it about who is blaming Tobago for the spike is rather unnecessary. But what it points to is the larger question of indiscipline and COVID fatigue.
This is not the time to drop the ball and as soldiers, in this war with the virus, we all have to stand guard at the gate and protect ourselves and our families by adhering to the health protocols.
The third issue is the challenge of getting vaccines.
The United States, Israel, Britain and some European countries are beginning to show the benefit of a successful vaccination programme.
Those countries have begun to reopen their economies with the US CDC now allowing a level of public exposure without face masks if a person is fully vaccinated.
The UK has articulated a plan to emerge from lockdown as it has rapidly inoculated its citizens.
T&T, unfortunately, is well behind the curveball and despite the triumphalism, the reality is less than 3 per cent of the population has received the first dose of the vaccine.
There is also great uncertainty about when more vaccines will arrive. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh yesterday said the next COVAX batch is due in May but gave no official date. While we know that globally this is a challenge all governments face, one cannot but feel enough was not done and the Government dropped the ball on the procurement and rollout of a well-co-ordinated vaccine programme.
These are dangerous times and we must act now to save the situation or face more pain.
