KT edit: 'Anti-corona' protests

The German government has made wearing masks mandatory and people are not happy with it

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Sat 29 Aug 2020, 11:58 PM

Last updated: Sun 30 Aug 2020, 2:01 AM

What's more fundamental to our safety and survival during this pandemic era: Adhering to safety protocol such as maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, or being concerned about restrictions on personal freedoms? Without a doubt, we know, it should be the former, and yet there are thousands who are marching and demonstrating against government protocols and crying foul about their restricted personal freedom. It's happening in Germany, a country that has so far not seen the wave of infections affecting some parts of Europe, but nonetheless its tally of new cases is rising every day.
Prevention is better than cure, and Germany had effectively managed to enforce a framework of response early on that focused on prevention, detection, containment, and treatment of Covid-19. The German government has now made wearing masks mandatory and people are not happy with it. What is happening on the streets of Berlin serves as a reminder to people across the world, including us in the UAE. We cannot let our guard down and give in to Covid-19 fatigue. Angela Merkel, Germany's Chancellor, is right in saying that we will have to live with this virus for a long time to come. It is still serious.
Perhaps, as governments rely on people and their willingness to cooperate in this fight against the pandemic, it is essential that the leaders also provide remedies for the various other problems that are making life insufferable during this health crisis. The Covid-19 stay-at-home restrictions have taken a toll on small businesses and the mental health of people. They need help.


More news from