The Malta Football Association Council declared Floriana the winners of the Premier League on Monday, after a decision was taken that the final games of the season will not be played due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
Many supporters opted to flock to the Floriana Granaries to celebrate, in what looked like a mini street party, ignoring the current gathering restrictions as part of the efforts made to stop the spread of Covid-19. Social distancing was non-existent, as fans chanted, danced and music blasted loudly.
But a sports league win supersedes all else right? Who cares that the country was under harsh restrictions up until earlier this month, who cares that vulnerable people are advised not to go out, Who cares that a part of the population is scared to go outside, that the economy is struggling. As long as some get to celebrate their win right? Wrong
This move by the supporters who attended was not just selfish, but was a slap in the face of all the front line workers who locked themselves in elderly homes for weeks to protect the elderly, of medical staff who worked to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
An emergency service doctor has lambasted the Floriana supporters, and indirectly also the police for their inaction, saying that what happened on the Granaries on Monday evening was “an insult to all those who worked in COVID”. This doctor has a right to be angry.
The situation called for quick and swift action by the police. It was reported that the authorities did break up the situation, but allowing such a large number to gather just a few roads away from the Police Headquarters… the situation should have been dealt with more quickly.
The country is currently seeing less Covid-19 patients than weeks ago, but this is not the time to ignore the advice of the health authorities. Being selfish could result in hardships for others, and could even result in deaths. If one of those supporters was a carrier, then that could result in the numbers rising again in the coming weeks.
Being safe and being smart must be a priority right now.
It is unfair that while some revelled, others are constantly wearing masks, working from home, taking extra precautions. The police should, if they haven’’t yet, do what they can to identify those who were there and issue fines.
It is understandable that people are fed up of being inside, fed up of not meeting friends. But going against the recommendations could end up with stricter restrictions being re-imposed.
The summer weather has already hit the island. People have already started heading out to the beach and swimming. Summer is synonymous with feasts and parties. But there are restrictions currently in place which prevent such parties from taking place. It is hoped that people will be cautious and abide by the guidelines in place.
The emergency service doctor had said one thing clearly that sums up the situation, “…all professionals agree that gathering in the hundreds without social distancing was, is and will remain a risk that anyone with an ounce of sense will not dare take. Although appreciated, clapping alone will not make the world a better place....social responsibility will. What we saw tonight was an insult to all those who worked in COVID, to those who fell ill and to those who died from this disease.”