There is a phrase which is a part of the COPVOD lexicon of
India. It has also been hashtagged. It goes like this #CovidIdiots, used to
describe absolutely irresponsible people who flout all COVID precaution rules
with elan. Café had exposed earlier this week how some bars in North Goa are
packed to capacity with people spilling over to the streets drinking alcohol. A
newly opened restaurant with a bar was full of revelers wearing no masks. How
does Goa and how do Goans tackle these #CovidIdiots?
I think it is time to use the stick, carrot alone will not work.
I think people need to be responsible. People should have to be responsible to
themselves and to society. Earlier people had to wear helmets and when the
authorities enforced it, people started wearing it. Now the mask is necessary
and the sops have to be followed come what may. The authorities have to crack
down.
Dr Siddhi Mahambre Bardez
Recently I lost a kin, a
healthy, happy go lucky 51 year old man. Within 6 days his health deteriorated
so much that we couldn’t do anything but accept that he is not going to make
it. People still think it’s a joke. In this scenario, I highly recommend the
“stick only” way as people do not understand that our resources are
limited. Health care workers also have some limits, they cannot continue
working like this for long. Let us not push them to the point where they give
up– Samrat Kataktalware Margao
It is galling to see people
not wearing mask in public especially as we have been obeying the law for the
last six months. By and large on Divar island almost all residents are wearing
a mask, but I have noticed many on day trips flouting the norms I call these
few people Covidiots and shaming and fining them could be a short term answer.
Marius Fernandes
Divar
Carrot n stick situation
has long gone as far as Covid is concerned… It’s the stick & kick that
should be used. Those who do so should be sentenced to community service so
that people remember them for years
– Tirthprasad Nagvekar North Goa
The stick is an absolute must in Goa and in the rest of the
country. Personal interests take precedence over that of the larger good. Now
the virus is killing people in their 30s and 40’s. Just because they have not
experienced it in their family they seem to be going around as if nothing has
really happened. In Goa unless they don’t show the stick these people will not
listen
– Melwyn Viegas,
Vasco
I believe they have not experienced it to someone close. The
stick will have to be used. The general attitude is so casual. It is important
to follow the protocol. I have experienced it with a number of close friends
contracting the virus. Some survived, others did not. The stick is important
now
– Nikhil Shah Panjim
I think the State should
come down heavily on these people who flout the law for it is not merely their
lives, but lives of innocent citizens put to risk. The old adage spare the rod
and spoil the child needs to be rekindled.
-Carlos Ferreira
Aldona
