Rules and Controversies during the pandemic
- Elena Mocanca
- Nov 22, 2020
- 5 min read
Staying at home, travel restrictions, banned gatherings, minimised journeys, closed venues and businesses. And more to that, wearing masks and washing hands as often as possible – we know the rules.
*For those who would like to check them again please see the links:
ROMANIA: http://www.ms.ro/
NETHERLANDS: https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/tackling-new-coronavirus-in-the-netherlands
Nevertheless, as the pandemic itself is problematic, odd rules, controversial approaches and criticised restrictions should’ve been expected. Here’s a list of the most debated requirements during the pandemic.
1. ‘To mask or not to mask?’
Although wearing a mask doesn’t seem too complicated (and I think you’re already tired of hearing it), it’s a real issue for a lot of people - and some of the reasons they invoke are not plausible at all. Besides the medical exemptions to wearing a face covering that we acknowledge and respect, people were very creative in finding ways to avoid this simple, but incredibly effective rule. Some of them have cited the Constitution and protested that their personal freedoms are being infringed upon by being told to cover their mouths and noses, overlooking the moral obligation to avoid putting others in danger. In other cases, masks have become a politicized theme, debated upon during the recent US election. And in the last instance, there are the reasons that lack scientific evidence. People advancing them don’t believe in the existence of the virus, think that only the elderly can be affected or claim that they don’t get enough breathable air.
Since not everybody is aware of the hazardous nature of the virus or they show too much resistance and scepticism in the face of uncertainty, should we challenge the Constitution and incorporate new regulations for such situations? From an ethical standpoint, it can be argued that by doing so, we wouldn’t respond to the pandemic in a reasonable and proportionate manner so as not to affect the human rights (enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and the freedom of citizens would be even more reduced. Yet, the utmost question is: isn’t it all for the ultimate good of the people?
2. Choosing who to save
During the first wave of COVID, because of the high number of cases that couldn’t be all treated at once, the medical institutions had to choose what patients to treat (e.g. Italy) and they recommended that priority should be given to those with the greatest life expectancy. Similar scenarios could play out in more countries unless effective social distancing measure are implemented and respected by citizens.
Last march, a group of doctors and academics from around the world published a set of ethical guidelines in the New England Journal of Medicine aimed to assist doctors with their decisions asking them to consider a series of factors besides the age of the patient. However, putting more value on one life over another highlights the inequalities between people. What alternatives should’ve been used? What should the authorities have done to ensure justice and equal chances to life for everyone? Ezekiel Emanuel, chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania[1], said that the reason behind this choice was to
‘maximise benefits in terms of the number of lives saved and the number of life years saved’.
This heartrending situation indicates that we are fighting a moral battle alongside the pandemic.
3. Venues closed before midnight – Elucidating the mystery
I am sure you have come across this not so funny joke: ‘Does the virus go out only during the night or what?’. Haha, ignorance can be hilarious, although just to some extent. Governments around the world were trying to strike a balance between imposing restrictions on social interactions and helping business survive. It is obvious that the threat of the virus doesn’t go away at a specific time, but the purpose of this rule is to reduce the amount of time people spend together and thus to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus.
4. Cyber hygiene rules
In an increasingly digitalised environment caused by the pandemic, the number and diversity of cyber-attacks increase from day to day. Communication, shopping, studying and work – almost everything is online. But are we prepared for this challenge?
Computer security is at risk despite the series of ways we can use to protect it. The most dangerous situations are those that concern the presence of children at online school sessions on common platforms, the large number of public and private sector employees that work remotely and operate with confidential data of institutions and the increased cyber security fraud through phishing (social engineering attack often used to steal user data[2]) and malware (any type of malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service or network[3]).
The pieces of advice on this matter do not suffice considering the high danger. It is necessary to pay more attention to the cybersecurity regulation and try to improve it as it may be very useful in the near future.
5. Some bizarre rules
Gloves were mandatory in Russia and Ukraine, although gloves will not necessarily protect us from getting COVID-19 and may still lead to the spread of germs. In Spain, the rules on wearing a mask can be so confusing that one of the most convincing factors remains the fear of getting a fine – and it works. Some clothing regulations in South Africa concerned ‘further style tips’ after what we’ve already seen above: only "closed toe" shoes and short-sleeved shirts displayed under another layer were allowed to be sold.[4]
Test your knowledge with this short quiz. (Answers will be posted next month)
Choose the correct answer.
1. Where can you find correct and updated information about Coronavirus?
a. Social media;
b. Talking to your friends;
c. You already know the information;
d. On the accredited governmental websites of different states + the WHO website (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks).
2. Which of the following can be symptoms of Coronavirus?
a. Fever, dry cough, tiredness, loss of taste and smell;
b. Breathing difficulty, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement;
c. Aches and pains, sore throat, conjunctivitis, headache;
d. All of the above.
3. What should you do if you have symptoms?
a. Self-isolate, contact your national health service and get a test as soon as possible;
b. Visit your family;
c. Travel;
d. Go out with your friends to relieve stress.
Choose the wrong answer.
4. What can thermal imaging cameras do?
a. Detect radiating heat from a body;
b. Implant a microchip;
c. Estimate core body temperature;
d. Help assess the state of people's health.
5. What should you do if you come across conspiracy theories?
a. Join the group that supports it and spread misleading information;
b. Understand they are dangerous and may have a negative impact;
c. Offer counter-arguments to those that try to convince you of their accuracy;
d. If you don’t have arguments, calmly and politely end the conversation.
6. What should you do with the mask?
a. Avoid touching the mask;
b. Share it with others;
c. Clean your hands before and after removing the mask;
d. Wash your mask periodically.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200428-coronavirus-how-doctors-choose-who-lives-and-dies [2] https://www.imperva.com/learn/application-security/phishing-attack-scam/ [3] https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/antivirus/malware.html [4] https://www.traveller.com.au/the-ten-most-bizarre-coronavirus-pandemic-rules-around-the-world-h1q2wq
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