Almost a month since its introduction, the enforcement of the vaccination requirement for access to public spaces remains inconsistent, with some places ensuring that it is a prerequisite for entry, while others have adopted a relaxed approach or not moved to enforce it all or have.
The contentious requirement was introduced on September 4 among the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which have since been extended for October.
The measure stipulates that only vaccinated persons could immediately access public buildings and spaces, while the unvaccinated would have to make an appointment and present a negative PCR test result. However, the latest measures, which were gazetted last Thursday indicated that the requirement does not apply to persons wishing to access healthcare at any healthcare facility.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had said that enforcement of the new measure would depend entirely on the owners while the National COVID-19 Task Force would be making random checks.
However, when this newspaper visited several business places over the preceding two days, only some places asked for a vaccination card prior to allowing access.
While Massy Supermarket and Distribution Services Limited (DSL) asked that persons show their vaccination cards before they were allowed entry into their buildings, the Survival Supermarket and Bounty Supermarket did not.
The Giftland Mall had been strict on the policy when it was introduced but has recently relaxed its enforcement.
The cinemas, now allowed to have 60 per cent capacity, are also required to make checks for vaccination cards before persons are allowed to enter.
Many restaurants which offer dine-in services have been enforcing the policy. With children between the ages of 12 and 17 being vaccinated, some places have also started requiring that children provide their cards. At the Pyramid Restaurant and Hub, this newspaper observed the security ask adolescents who were dining with their parents to provide their vaccination cards. Some restaurants have publicly announced that the vaccination cards are a requirement to enter. Meanwhile some bars and lounges had been enforcing the measure but have since relaxed it. The bars at Giftland had previously announced that the vaccination card was a requirement but has since stopped asking for the vaccination card before allowing patrons to enter.
The security at the Sleepin Hotel and Casino told this newspaper that when persons enter the building they are asked to show their vaccination card, which is recorded at the front desk.
Some gyms are also asking to see the vaccination cards. According to gym goers who spoke to this newspaper, the gym employees ask to see vaccination cards when persons make visits. Gyms are restricted to 50 per cent of the capacity of the building.
Places of worship, which have been allowed 40 per cent capacity of the respective buildings, have also been enforcing the policy. This newspaper was informed that at most masjids, persons are asked to provide their vaccination cards.
All the commercial banks are also enforcing the policy.
Speaking to this newspaper on Friday, Anthony explained that the COVID-19 Task Force has been enforcing the measure but noted that it is a collaborative effort. “The thing is we have to get everybody to comply. The Task Force would go out but this here is where every concerned person has to help because everybody is affected,” he said.
Anthony added that with more people helping with enforcement, there will be efficiency of protection. He acknowledged that some businesses are not complying even as he noted that there is surge of active cases and that hospitalization has increased. Therefore, he stressed that persons need to observe the measures. “Understand, too, that we have limited human resource enforcement capacity. The Task Force depends on the police force and the army. People just have to be responsible,” he added.
Among the gazetted measures that have been extended is the 10.30 pm to 4 am national curfew and the requirements for mask-wearing in public as well as work places.
