(12-21-2021, 04:49 PM)LankaFan Wrote:(12-20-2021, 11:06 PM)pj57 Wrote: Ravin Wickramaratne in the interview posted on the previous page says all spectators are checked for their vaccination status before they enter the ground.
This is a major misconception! Once fully vaccinated, without face masks people are allowed to party, have weddings, fully crowded spectator stands, unnecessary gatherings, and what not! All without face masks!
Oh, once fully vaccinated, we are not going to get Covid, so why wear a face mask, right? I have heard many people saying this.
Even with face masks (single layer), this Omicron variant (even the Delta) could go through the material, and any opening around the face mask edges, will be sufficient for the tiny virus particles to sneak through. However, if both the giver (the infected) and the recipient are wearing fully covered face masks (not under the nose, please), then you present the highest chance of the virus to not get transmitted to other people. But, it has to be done by both sides, not few people in a stand while watching a cricket match standing close to each other. The most important benefit that comes out of this behaviour is, blocking of future variants from popping up. However, as a country, we should avoid hospital patient numbers from going up and the day to day essential activities to go uninterrupted by NOT having to enforce lockdowns and curfews.
My point is, these things can be avoided easily to avoid Super Spreader situations and mass transmission of the virus. I agree, still with face masks, it is 100% not guarantee, but we must take all the precautions possible even after fully vaccinated when you are out in the public. Even while staying outside, when you cannot maintain the distance of 6ft or so, wearing a face mask should be enforced! For a country like Sri Lanka, having to go through another wave should be avoided with these subtle, yet effective adjustments. Only then, you could avoid lockdowns, curfews and economic disasters.
I hope Ravin Wickramaratne and his clan realize just that.
It's well known face masks doesn't give 100% protection and even fully vaccinated (even with the booster) people can get COVID. It's difficult to police spectators at events like this. There have been many incidents when people have been told to wear masks, not only in SL but here in Australia and other countries as well. Only other option is to ban people coming to these events altogether. Most people at the two Ashes tests played so far were not wearing masks as well and 80,000 people are expected to attend the Boxing Day test on Sunday even with case numbers keep climbing up daily in all states here with more people with the Omicron variant identified. I agree events like this can lead to super spreader situations but what are the options we have?