What happens if pandemic-weary citizens decide not to follow the rules? In the U.K., Boris Johnson has called for people to be “patient” as the government seeks to stifle a second wave of outbreaks. But is the public growing weary of 10 p.m. pub curfews and other social restrictions?
“I think everybody is fed up — I just urge people to be a little bit patient,” Johnson said. “We will get through it and we will save a load of lives, and that's really the best I can say.”
So, what happens in the weeks ahead if the population decides to follow the lead of a mayor and collectively defy the rules? What if the pubs and their customers all stay open until 11 or 12? Imagine a 10 p.m. closing on New Year’s Eve, or local councils refusing to enforce rules, or advising the police to turn a blind eye.
Americans may become more cautious after President Donald Trump came down with the coronavirus: more people will wear masks, practice social distancing, work from home, wash their hands and generally be more vigilant, but for how long? As in the case of Boris Johnson, the effect of this dramatic development may not be permanent. The shock will wear off, as it eventually did after Johnson fell ill in the spring.
While the restrictions may be saving millions of lives, there’s no denying that millions of businesses are suffering, millions have lost their jobs and millions have lost liberties that they took for granted.
Source: Independent October 4, 2020