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One Seychelles reacts to Covid-19 pandemic and government’s measures to contain it should it hit Seychelles |14 March 2020

On Thursday night, President Danny Faure addressed the Nation briefly following the announcement that coronavirus had been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Seychellois were left with little reassurance that their health and security, and that of their families, are in good hands. The President’s approach appears to be directed at containment of the virus should it hit Seychelles, rather than geared towards prevention. It would seem that we are merely resigning ourselves to the inevitable, when a strong leader should have the courage to take drastic measures or unpopular decisions in a time of fear and uncertainty that we are experiencing at present to safeguard his people and all those who depend upon him to protect them, and the conviction to stand by his decision.

We have all witnessed today the panicked stockpiling of food and medicine by concerned Seychellois, who were not at all comforted by the President’s words on Thursday night. With most of our nation’s food being imported from overseas, the cutting down of flights to Seychelles will certainly have an impact on our food security. In his televised address, the head of State has not given us any reassurance that his administration is working with our local farmers and fishermen to ensure food security for the population during this uncertain time, nor has he indicated whether our hospitals and clinics are adequately resourced, staffed and equipped to competently and effectively manage and deal with the virus should it reach our shores.

Strong leadership would have advised against panicked buying in bulk of medicines, leaving little to nothing left for those most vulnerable who would benefit from these items if the virus were to reach our shores, or even if they were to contract influenza in the interim. The stockpiling of medicine by persons in the low-risk category is dangerous, and should be discouraged. Those who are young and healthy are likely to recover without much medical intervention, but those who are frail, old, or have autoimmune diseases will be unable to access medication that others have hoarded for themselves in fear.

The same applies to the stockpiling of food. Those who are clearing the shelves of essential items are leaving little behind for the poorer families who cannot afford to buy in bulk, and who are only able to purchase items as and when they become necessary.

Our tourism economy and the businesses that depend upon it are about to take a hit. This cannot be downplayed. Countries are closing their borders. Tourists are cancelling their bookings and our numbers are set to nosedive in this turbulent time. Little has been done or said to reassure the business owners, particularly those with loans to repay, that government will implement measures or take steps to mitigate the harm or losses anticipated from the flight cancellations or cruise ship bans.

Banks will continue to make a profit through the interest rates they have contracted for each and every business loan made when times were good. A drop in applicable rates is today needed, as well as a drop in fees and re-payments to government. We must strive to keep the private sector afloat before they are compelled to resort to redundancies, which will see Seychellois families face even more hardships.

The fate of Seychellois students spread across the globe on government scholarships where the coronavirus has reached is uncertain. Are they safe and what is our country doing to guarantee to their parents here that every necessary measure is being taken by our government for their safety and security?

We need strong leadership during this difficult and uncertain time. But, most of all, we need unity, courage, and the understanding that much can be done to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus. Simple measures such as washing our hands regularly and encouraging our children to do the same, covering our faces when coughing or sneezing, isolating yourself if you start to feel unwell, avoiding overseas travel, avoiding shaking hands with others, and avoiding crowds, will go a long way in protecting the spread of the virus should it reach Seychelles.

We at One Seychelles stand with the People of Seychelles.

 

Communique from One Seychelles

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