Thinking about opening our doors makes no sense
SHOULD we be easing up travel restrictions as early as autumn as the virus takes hold for a second time in many communities worldwide? There appears to be a lack of consistency in the direction going forward. Deputy Gavin St Pier, the chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority, appears to be sending out mixed messages. While he states the current guidelines, rules and restrictions are protecting our freedom and our ability to an unrestricted life beneficial economically to the Bailiwick, his chief executive, Paul Whitfield, states we are not going for open borders, we’re heading for non-quarantine. What is the difference? Is it not one of the same thing? And we are going to introduce robotics to test our population for Covid-19 when we have the highest unemployment rate on record.
While other jurisdictions are trying to contain a second outbreak of the virus which is mutating and more destructive, we are contemplating opening our doors. How does this make any sense? The CCA wants the private sector employees to open their businesses and stand behind the counter embracing the risks while government offices are closed and public servants are shielded at home.
The introduction of business tunnels, with no testing and no quarantine, and re-consideration of the decision to abandon the seven-day test pilot over the summer subjects islanders to unnecessary risk of a second wave of infections. With the best will in the world, how is this government going to safeguard the airport staff, catering companies, financial workers and cleaners from this unnecessary high risk?
Above all this is a deadly virus that is not to be treated lightly. Why allow some finance directors to come to the island exempt from rules imposed on the rest of us – the 14 days’ mandatory quarantine requirement. Who is going to pay for the building of temporary facilities that are, and I quote, effective, slick, smooth and safe and at what cost to the Guernsey taxpayer?
Maybe it’s time the CCA was disbanded and the States Assembly took back control.
DEPUTY DAVID DE LISLE
Le Douit Farm,
Les Reveaux,
St Peter’s
GY7 9DH.