Was the Eisteddfod a good idea with Covid cases rising?
I READ with interest in the Guernsey Press on Wednesday16 March about the rapid rise in transmission of Covid-19. It would appear that following the relaxation of the very successful restrictions, we are again witnessing a surge in the number of people, young and old, experiencing the dreaded virus.
Whilst it may be argued that the vaccination programme has provided enormous benefit to islanders and prevented a sure disaster for the Bailiwick, I am sorry to say, that ever since the Civil Contingencies Authority decided that we could all go back to a near-normal way of life again, we have become somewhat reckless in thinking that the virus has gone away.
The organising of large events such as the local music Eisteddfod was for me and some other islanders a genuine concern. The Beau Sejour theatre is not the best-ventilated venue, for a start. Competitors gathering backstage in crowded airless rooms are also to be considered as a potential recipe for disaster.
Added to the above was the vast number of competitors coming from every walk of local life. The risk of a Covid breakout was inevitable. As a competitor with a local choir, we took part on five separate evenings with one of the competitions being held at St James. It soon became the custom at this year’s Eisteddfod for competitors to drop out due to having picked up Covid. To my knowledge, no additional warnings or recommendations were put forward. It was very much down to individuals to take their own precautions. The clue was in the high number of competitors dropping out – the timing and venue were inappropriate.
Given the number of infections within our local schools and the younger-age competitor being a large part of the festival, with the benefit of hindsight, it was too soon following a major pandemic to reintroduce what for Guernsey is a major festival.
It has been said that we need to learn to live with Covid. As a community, we should respect the virus and recognise its potential to cause serious illness.
NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED
Editor’s footnote: Alan Brown, chairman of the Guernsey Eisteddfod Society, responds: The Guernsey Eisteddfod Festival has been seriously disrupted since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At all times the Society has followed States of Guernsey Public Health guidance which in previous years resulted in rearrangements and cancellation sometimes at very short notice. We have also followed guidance given by Education staff. This year, although restrictions have been relaxed, Public Health asked the community to take lateral flow tests prior to attending events such as the Eisteddfod and to stay at home if positive or if they have symptoms. Beau Sejour has masks and hand sanitiser available for use on entry and reminders of the guidance in place throughout the centre. Competitors have the choice whether to take part or not and some individuals and groups decided not to due to illness or for other reasons. However we are pleased that we have provided the opportunity for many participants, who have been working hard in preparation, to showcase their talent and provide excellent entertainment for those who decided to come along to watch.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the festival; volunteers, Beau Sejour staff, participants, teachers, sponsors and spectators and hope that people will enjoy the forthcoming exhibition and gala concert safely, following Public Health guidelines.