Quarantine questions arise

The stories of truck drivers escaping quarantine facilities have become regular fodder for news headlines these days.

At the centre of these claims are allegations that unlike other people quarantined so far, truck drivers are confined in undignified facilities for 14 days.

Others are booked into holiday facilities, such as lodges, where high-earners were regular visitors for leisure prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

It would seem as though truckers, who by the way have been some of the unsung heroes of this difficult time by ensuring goods are transported in and around the country, have been getting a raw deal from government.

As if traversing long lonely roads was not exhausting enough, the drivers are sent into filthy facilities upon offloading various goods craved by communities.

True, these drivers have an obligation to help contain the virus by observing regulations such as being quarantined for a period of time.

But unless they are housed in hospitable facilities, it is difficult to imagine how anyone would live for two weeks in a place that could send them into depression or pose them other health risks.

While we are not justifying the actions of the runaway truck drivers, it must be highlighted that the poor quality of facilities they are kept in has exacerbated their reckless behaviour.

The war against the coronavirus can only be won if we are considerate in all our actions.