It has certainly become the norm for me, and many others, to stay close to home in tried and trusted places where confidence in avoiding the pandemic can be negotiated with a semblance of certainty, writes Glenn Maffia.

Though those monthly chores of paying bills and visiting the bank take me to areas outside my comfort zone. Don’t misunderstand, I am suited, booted, masked and gloved before setting out into this strange and unknown realm. Though my eyes remain unobscured.

We have all seen on Voices the theatrical images of council officers scrupulously measuring distances between tables and chairs at seafront establishments.

Credit where credit is due, it was an impressive PR job. Though there is little or no evidence of this meticulous attention being performed within my district, which is not to say the council are not performing this elsewhere. I am sure they must be considering more than the beachfront?

Warmth may Turn to Cold

I do understand some people may have the wish for a little warmth of human interaction, however, risky that maybe. Though, I do like to perceive these particular people are aware of the crucial importance of social distancing and to respect the 1-metre rule.

However, I have seen utter aberrations in evidence within some establishments. I hope this is not the norm in Didim. People must surely hold their health at a premium?

And I’m sure that when the Zabıta (Council police) finds the time to remind these bars/cafés/restaurants about table and seating spacing then one of the key criteria to combating Covid-19 will be arrested. I trust that operation is currently ongoing?

As we do not even have a proven vaccine at this moment, masks, personal hygiene and social distancing are our only protection against this virus. Abide by those rules stringently.

As I referred above, I have noticed aberrations in a number of places. I shall not name any establishments as that would be unfair and even unsympathetic to their financial plight. I would rather point an advisory finger to the council, who are charged with the responsibility of public health, to take their burden with the gravity it requires.

Measure for Measure

Turkey has managed this virus particularly well, unlike the USA and Britain, full credit to the medical infrastructure invested in by Ankara. The care here, and the transparency of the numbers show an, albeit sad, number of figures which reflect the intensity of the situation, but an honest one nonetheless.

I should just like to reiterate this lethal pandemic has not gone away because establishments have reopened. It’s transparent that some people equate this as being true; it is a falsehood of optimism over logic and science. Yes, the economy drives the cogs of this delusion. But we have an obvious self-interest herein: our own health and safety.

Now come on Didim Council enforce social distancing by measuring the space between tables and chairs everywhere, as too many, from my observations, are failing to comply with such crucial etiquette. If anything, it is a life-saving service. Be vigilant. Be brave.