It’s a common saying used by just about everyone over time and recycled over the years - it will get worse before it gets better.
This country’s COVID-19 statistics last week and in the last 48 hours, coupled with those of crime, seem doomed for the old adage to indeed be fulfilled.
Over the weekend, 48 lives were lost in 48 hours to the COVID-19 virus. Among the fatalities was a male child.
The past week has gone down as the second deadliest week for the pandemic, with close to 100 lives lost.
Yesterday, hospitalisations were at a record high with 518 people being treated in the parallel healthcare system and active cases well over 8,000. This no doubt is in part due to the fact that the country also saw its highest weekly case total to date at 3,563 infections.
Analysts have estimated that based on the current rate of increase for active cases, T&T could cross 10,000 active cases in approximately eight days’ time. This would push the country back to the virus peak experienced months ago in June with 10,064 active cases.
Coupled with these startling and record-breaking statistics, the State of Emergency concluded, almost literally opening the doors for people to move about without restrictions, with some using it as an opportunity to “free up” by congregating in crowds of more than ten people and abandoning the law requiring mask-wearing.
Frightening images have emerged on social media of crowds of people at popular liming spots across the country, with little to no social distancing.
Only yesterday, news broke of new positive COVID cases being confirmed at two more secondary schools.
All of these are sure signs that the COVID situation in T&T will not get better overnight or quickly.
Compounding the COVID crisis has been an upsurge in crime that has seen both the young and old being struck down violently.
Despite the assurances from the T&T Police Service of an increase in manpower to confront the anticipated uptick, criminals have remained relentless as the bloodletting continues.
Citizens cannot remain like sitting ducks waiting for COVID or criminals to attack.
The Prime Minister has called for greater personal responsibility with the Delta variant now rampaging.
Now more than ever, those on the fence about vaccinations must make the right decision for themselves and the greater good of their families, communities and country.
Too many lives are falling to COVID. With a lockdown out of the picture as an option, vaccinations and adherence to the health protocols remain the more viable ways to slow the spread of the pandemic.
When it comes to crime, that too falls to personal responsibility as well. A responsibility to abide by the laws, to work with the police service and to report wrongdoing and crime when we see it.
As we approach the end of 2021, the nation must not simply sit and accept that both COVID and crime will claim lives. Citizens can take control and determine on what note the year will close.