By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: Decision of the Srinagar administration about not to allow the unvaccinated people to enter shopping malls and other important establishments could prove to be a game changer.
An expert while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “If the entry of unvaccinated people is banned into important places it can lead to people giving up the vaccine hesitancy and we will be well prepared to fight the third wave of COVID-19, which the experts are predicting may arrive sooner or later.”
It’s in place to mention here that Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad has said that all unvaccinated persons visiting any Shopping Store/Complex/ Malls will have to undergo Covid-19 testing. “Exemption would be given only in certain specific cases. However, vaccinated persons having certificate copy in hard or soft form shall be given priority entry at all business establishments, government offices, etc.”
According to the experts approximately 70% of the world’s 7.9 billion people must be fully vaccinated to end the COVID-19 pandemic. “As of June 21, 2021, 10.04% of the global population had been fully vaccinated, nearly all of them in rich countries. Only 0.9% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose,” the Print reported.
In Kashmir the vaccination drive is on but the health workers are facing a tough time. At many places they have witnessed hostile people who don’t want to take a jab. “The idea about not allowing unvaccinated people to enter the important places needs to be implemented across Kashmir, not only in Srinagar. If people are denied entry without the vaccination certificate, it would leave them with no other option other than to take a COVID-19 jab.”
Experts and scientists have been reiterating that the “herd community” can only be developed by getting vaccinated. “People should realize that the administration can make the vaccines available but the masses have to come forward on their own. At present vaccines are available for free. The COVID-19 second wave has subsided. It’s an opportunity for everyone to prepare themselves to fight the virus in a much better way.”
There are reports that the J&K administration may throw open the paid public parks and shrines in coming days but the COVID-19 test report or the vaccination certificate will be made mandatory for entry. “One fails to understand why people are so hesitant. They need to take a cue from millions of people across the globe, who have been vaccinated and are living their lives without any trouble. More than 99% of people didn’t even develop any side effects,” said an observer.
