Although social distancing has shown that it is effective in slowing the spread of the virus, it has stirred new problems. From concerns on mental health to increased reports of domestic abuse and divorce, a sudden and forced quarantine are affecting the daily lives for everyone involved.
For some opportunists, enforced social distancing was a good excuse to put their neighbors in trouble. In the United Kingdom, the police have officially requested that people stop calling them to bring order and settle disputes that are completely unrelated with the global pandemic.
In an interview with the Observer, one official commented that a surprisingly large number of people have been using this time to bring police officers to settle personal disputes that are wasting valuable resources in a time of confusion.
British National Police Chiefs Council has released a statement asking the people to practice common sense before dialing the police. Quarantine measures have already increased the workload for many officers as they were given additional roles such as enforcing social distances.
Just last week, the UK police force announced that they have issued more than 3,500 fines. This is an increased rate from normal times. A rise of domestic abuse and violations of quarantine laws account for much of the increase.
The calls began pouring in as the police asked people to report cases of people violating lockdown procedures. One municipal police received more than 2,000 calls on a daily basis, forcing them to take reports online. In Manchester, police received more than 1,000 calls over Easter weekend because of various barbecues and picnics.
The police do note that not all calls are made with less than noble intents. In some cases, the same essential workers were reported multiple times as they commuted to workplaces.
The general public’s frustration with the pandemic has been growing as the lockdown continues. Some are beginning to take more active vigilantism by actively shaming them. A Facebook group named ‘Covidiots UK’ is a good example. Names and pictures of those who violated measures are posted online and shamed.
While the intent of these movements may be noble, many worry that this may be taking it too far. What do you think? Share with us your thoughts on this issue, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more articles like this one.
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