F.S celebrates Democracy Day amid COVID-19 curfew

The F.S. biennial airforce acrobatic fly-over on Democracy Day and Independence Day featured special tributes this year. Military jets flew in formation in the skies above hospitals and medical facilities in aerial salutes to the country’s medical caregivers and first responders on the front lines against the coronavirus.

“We wish for you and all the citizens of the Federated States robust and vigorous health and a happy Democracy Day,” one of the squadron pilots that flew over Altario said in a message to health workers.

The display was cheered on by flag-waving doctors, nurses and residents in face masks from the rooftops of their facilities.

Four more cases of the Coronavirus was announced on Friday two days after President Onwu Victor declared the fight against the pandemic won, raising the total number of those who have contacted the disease to 172. The Health Ministry today confirmed the additional 4 infections at a cruise boat berth at Sun City  Harbour, raising the total cases in the state of Wereford to 102 cases. 12 patients are currently in critical condition, with 2 in need of ventilators. 57 Tads have now recovered from COVID-19 following the recuperation of an additional 15 patients.

In contrast to previous years, today’s celebration of the anniversary of F.S. 1960 first democratic change of government was held amid a nationwide lockdown ordered by the state governments to prevent traditional social gatherings. In a normal year, families and friends flock to beaches and other public spaces for barbecues and parties.

While the government has not ordered for curbs to contain the coronavirus epidemic since March 22 when the first cases of the virus was detected at Alberta Airport, mandatory curfews were imposed for the Democracy Day holiday on Friday to reduce the risk of contagion.

According to Federal Police Department Spokesman Superintendent Aamar Blut, the “full security and health lockdown across the states” was enforced by more than 10,000 officers from the various state police departments, who operated 54 roadblocks in between major cities and state borders. “Police units are on the ground coordinating with helicopter units; technology and drones are being used. And, we are making sure that every step is being implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the states of the Federation,” he said.

Citizens were instructed to remain in their homes from 6 PM on Friday till 8 PM this evening, and only allowed to leave if in need of medicine or other essential items, or to access vital services in their own municipal districts or an adjacent one if it was not available nearby.  Moreover, people were only permitted to be 500 meters away from their residences for the purposes of exercising, praying or participating in any other Health Ministry-approved activities while wearing face masks (over the age of 7) and maintaining social distancing of two meters.

The annual ceremony at the Independence Hall in Keddisonville was also conducted in an altered format. Only members of the Federal Assembly and a few journalists were allowed to participate while maintaining COVID 19 measures. In his special address broadcast to the public, President Onwu reaffirmed his boast that the nation had defeated the Coronavirus and praised the citizens of the Federated States for their uplifting resilience but called for them to continue adhering to measures that would help confirm the boast. 

“Today we celebrate 1960, the first time power was democratically lifted from the shoulders of one people and peacefully rested on the shoulders of another. Since then power has not been more than six years in the palms of one person. And today under the shadow of the corona crisis, we celebrate most outstanding, Sir Robert Williams and General Edward Dutton and all presidents who made sure of this till today. Separated, but together, in the hope we profess” said the President, adding, “All of us, on the balconies, through the windows, in the retirement homes, in the hospitals, in FSDF bases, abroad and home, in the states and in the territories. All of us raise a cup for the Federated States of Tadchester, for the life given by the Creator and how good it has been.”

“The Federated States was born out of hope 70 years ago, a hope that had existed more than a thousand years before then. In these 70 years, we have established an advanced industry and created a rich and diverse culture. We have developed innovative, dynamic and rich farming that we have already begun to share its fruits to other countries of the world. These days of crisis are an important reminder of the link between our culture and our democratic politics,” he went on to say.

President Reuven Rivlin underscored, "We acted fast enough, we shut our borders, we raised up a massive relief bill, we enacted measures without closing our businesses. And today we have defeated the deadly virus. This is something many governments around the world could not do.  But all these would not be possible without you- the people. Therefore I congratulate you for your support and urge you to continue adhering to our measures in order to make this win more sure. The WHO officials have applauded us for doing what they could not do. And I assure you that although social and political gatherings are banned for now, sports and businesses are still opened. Schools would not start for next semester but I have met the Education Minister on how online education can be available to our children. Beaches and parties are banned too but religious services are to be made in extreme measures."

 The president also announced that primary elections starting at Johnessbourge this week would still hold and the FEC was arranging for a non contagious election environment. 

He ended his address by confirming, “We are a modern and innovative nation, but a nation that draws strength, values, and faith from an ancient tradition. A nation that is learning to regenerate, change, dare and win. God bless the Federated States, God bless us all.”