Private companies going with safe zones

Although Government has shelved its safe zones initiative for the time being, some private sector interests are pressing ahead with their version of the concept to protect its members and clients from the pandemic.

President of the Barbados Dental Association, Dr Vidya Armogan, on Thursday outlined a detailed plan to allow private sector entities to establish their own safe zones, warning that continued delays could spell doom for the country’s tourism-dependent economy. He also believes that businesses bold enough to take matters into their own hands, would have a major competitive edge on their competitors who are content to wait on the Government.

At a press conference on Thursday morning, Dr Armagon revealed that his new master plan would require all patrons to be fully vaccinated, have a COVID-19 PCR test 72-hours before visiting the establishment or have a rapid test done at their own expense.

The proposed private sector policy also demands that all staff be vaccinated or tested weekly. Special security officers will also be brought in to enforce the new protocols and operate under the guidance of the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit.

Dr Armagon said that with thousands of tourists demanding an environment where citizens, especially tourism workers are vaccinated, the country had a duty to cater to its guests. He added that poor vaccination rates would deal a tremendous blow to Barbados’ competitive edge, exposing the country to potentially being cut out by more players.

“We are leading this charge and creating these safe zones to get businesses up and running. We understand that those who join us will probably get the lion’s share of tourist dollars. We are also cognizant that people who have chosen to get vaccinated in Barbados, also want to be in a property that is deemed ‘safe’,” Dr Armagon told journalists at the PAVAO Restaurant.

“Similarly, most unvaccinated Barbadians are not what we refer to as anti-vaxxers. They are actually just overwhelmed and waiting to make a decision or to be told what to do. They are, however, very responsible people and would like to remain uninfected. The best way to do that would also be for them to frequent businesses that are responsible.

“I can’t force the population to get vaccinated, but I do want the tourists so that Barbadians can get back to work and we can get our economy moving again. As such I have to offer them areas where they will get what they want, since Barbadians seem to be waiting for some event before they get vaccinated. It’s a simple supply and demand issue,” the outspoken dentist added.

He disclosed that a website barbadossafezones.com had already been launched along with a new logo, and that local boutique hotel, the Sweetfield Manor and the PAVAO Barbados restaurant, both located in the Upper Garrison area of the Bridgetown UNESCO Historic Area would be the first to sign onto the private Safe Zone policy. Dr Armogan added that the Senses Marche restaurant and Caribbean Smile Makers dental clinic, both located at Belleville, St Michael, would also be joining onto the safe zones.

He said that businesses outside the safe zones would not be considered unsafe, but they would be required to meet certain minimum standards, which could significantly lower the risk of spread.

“The chance of getting infected, or infecting someone else in our safe zones would be extremely low. As such, by supporting safe zones, you are not only getting a chance to get out, but you would be assisting our nation by reducing the spread of COVID in our population.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the first phase of its safe zones initiative in the healthcare sector. However, numerous challenges resulting from an apparent lack of consultation on the policy has caused Government to hold consultations with key stakeholders.

In the meantime, Dr Armogan predicts that vaccine hesitancy here will result in another 18-24 months of the pandemic. kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb