You are here

A small sacrifice for the good of all

Mar 20,2020 - Last updated at Mar 20,2020

It is indeed disheartening to see, in the face of an unprecedented pandemic, that a considerable part of the population has flouted the government’s preventive measures against the novel coronavirus and the guidelines to stay at home.

And it comes as no surprise that the government has been forced to impose a curfew after authorities’ clarion call to the public has been disregarded by many.

The curfew meets the need of the hour to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus, and many citizens are welcoming the clear decision with open arms.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday directed the government to ensure that the implementation of the Defence Law and the orders issued under it will be “within the most limited scope possible”.

The prime minister affirmed that political rights and freedom of expression are guaranteed and that private property will not be harmed, emphasising that the right to life and good health is “sacred” and prevails over other rights.

However, the lackadaisical attitude among some members of society has forced the government to impose more stringent measures.

Minister of State for Media Affairs Amjad Adaileh said on Thursday night that many citizens had underestimated the gravity of the situation and taken to the streets for reasons besides emergencies or absolute necessities in most governorates of the Kingdom.

Since the pandemic spreads through contact, public health experts have been continuously stressing that social distancing is a proven way to curb the spread of the virus.

Abject disregard for preventive measures — either due to ignorance or failure to grasp the gravity of the situation — is akin to throwing a wrench into the government’s immense mechanisms installed to contain the spread of the virus.

Such actions place the safety and health of the public in jeopardy; and Jordan, with its economic constraints, can ill-afford the additional burden of apathy from its citizens.

So, the government has taken a swift and apt decision, and it is now our duty to keep in step with our chins up. Individual measures go hand-in-hand with sweeping national measures.

As responsible citizens and visitors, let us be active partners in the fight to end the free rein of this pandemic. Let us adapt to this new normal by adjusting our behaviour and attitudes. It will be a small sacrifice for the good of all.

up
103 users have voted.


Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

PDF