OPINION: Overly strict and brutally enforced regulations might fail to achieve their aims and result in negative consequences, writes Professor Karl Roberts.
Governments the world over are facing unprecedented and multifaceted challenges from Covid-19. In dealing with the pandemic there are many competing considerations as nations strive to protect their citizens from infection while limiting damage to economies.
However, exploring the regulations and the frequently heavy-handed way in which they have been enforced leads to the conclusion that they might result in a number of unintended negative consequences. In particular they could lead to an increased risk of mental health problems, domestic violence and related abuse, criminality related to the illegal sale of alcohol and cigarettes, and an increase in public protest and disorder.
Prohibiting outdoor exercise might then run a risk of increasing psychological strain the longer the lockdown continues. This will probably be exacerbated for those living in the most overcrowded conditions. The ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes is unlikely to see a reduction in demand. It might inadvertently create new markets for the illegal sale of the items. This might provoke related offending, some of it violent, as rivals strive to develop and control market share.
There is much evidence that brutal policing methods reduce public trust and ultimately compliance with the police. If the regulations continue to be policed in this manner, over time one would expect to see increased social disorder with open defiance of the police - indeed we have seen evidence of a number of protests.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Public protector's office denies flouting lockdown rules with 'small' meetingSome residents of Honeydew, west of Johannesburg, have accused Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane of flouting lockdown rules by holding a public meeting, but her office says they were just doing their job.
Read more »
Lady Zamar: Before Covid-19 I was easily hurt by nasty words & rumoursNothing like a lockdown to help you gain perspective on what's important in life
Read more »
Fikile Mbalula: Easter road death toll drops 82%Reduced traffic during Coronoavirus lockdown sees 28 deaths this year compared to 162 during Easter 2019
Read more »
Parliament meets to 'rescue academic year'In a statement, committee chair Philly Mapulane said that higher education minister Blade Nzimade would make a presentation at Tuesday's meeting.
Read more »
Bar fight goes on after confirmation of lockdown ban, says booze industryThe alcohol industry is refusing to take the continuing lockdown booze ban lying down.
Read more »
After box office hit 'Losing Lerato', Kagiso Modupe is working on another film'I can’t wait for lockdown to end so we can work'
Read more »