Covid rules have been debated by people since the start of the first lockdown last March. The people simply cannot seem to make their minds up. Some are dead set on the belief that all these restrictions are excessive. I mean what is the risk of a virus with a 99% survival rate? While some feel that lockdown is a small price to pay, and would be happy if the government increased restrictions if it decreased the number of cases. Why can no one make up their minds?
Well, let's examine both sides of the argument quickly. Firstly, the people who are strictly anti-lockdown, often anti-mask do have some reasonable ideas. After all, allowing the government to have that much control over its own citizen's lives is a scary idea to grasp, especially to anyone who dislikes the current government, for a variety of reasons. Some people feel that it would simply be safer if the government didn't have a say in anyone's private life, in order that those who need to be protected can protect themselves, by making their own choice to wear a mask. Others feel that the government shouldn't be allowed to make these kinds of absolute decisions about its citizen's private businesses and personal lives. They are zealous about not wanting to be "controlled". And finally, some people are tired of these lockdowns, perhaps even blaming it on an incompetent government, simply wanting to continue with their lives and move on from this event. All of these viewpoints are valid and seem very reasonable.
However, on the other side, there are people equally zealous about maintaining lockdowns, in order to protect people from the virus. Most people with this viewpoint simply don't want any more death. After all, lockdowns protect people, and even if they affect the economy, life is worth so much more than any amount of money. Some others just can't be asked with any more relapses as well. After all, we have been in 3 separate lockdowns, and they can't physically handle having the feeling of going 2 steps forward, and then 5 steps backward. These personal viewpoints are equally valid, and again are very reasonable.
But who is ultimately right? Well, it doesn't matter.
A country divided can never win. We can't come out of lockdown and the clutches of the coronavirus, while simultaneously being divided on every waking issue. This country needs to simply suck it up, and follow government guidelines, whether you personally find them too loose, or too tight, because we can't fight the virus, if we are fighting against each other, about how to fight the virus. It simply is illogical. Even if you do not agree with the government, they are still in power. We elected them. We need to follow their guidelines.
Anyone can have personal views on any issues, and these are all fine, but ultimately, if we want to come out of this together, we need to be united and simply suck it up.
By Ethan Kelvin
