Saying that vaccination alone would not contain the spread of COVID-19, including its variants, the main opposition A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has again called on the government to pursue a holistic approach to protect citizens.
While reiterating that COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory, the government has moved to place greater restrictions on access to public spaces by unvaccinated persons. Under its latest measure, which was gazetted on Saturday, members of the public who want to enter privately-owned businesses – to which the public has lawful access – now have to be vaccinated or alternatively will have to show evidence of a recent negative PCR test and make an appointment.
“The APNU+AFC strongly recommends that vaccination be voluntary and with informed consent. Coercion is not an option and is not science, neither is fear mongering. We believe that vaccination alone is not the solution to contain the Delta variant but a holistic [approach] is required to protect our people,” Shadow Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings declared during an address to the nation on Monday.