Since the start of the pandemic last year, several people across the globe have been found flouting the norms with regards to the novel coronavirus.
However, in recent developments, fifteen passengers who were found violating COVID-19 norms on the domestic flight are likely to be banned for three months by the carriers. This comes amidst the spike in cases of coronavirus across the country which poses the inherent question as to why people feel it is okay to endanger not only other people’s lives but one’s own.
According to reports, while most of these passengers refused to wear face masks on board during the flights, others refused to put on PPE gowns that are compulsory for those sitting in middle seats. Even though rule-breaking is not a new phenomenon, behavioural scientists say it is being exacerbated in the coronavirus pandemic by cultural, demographic and psychological factors that can make the flouters seem more selfish and dangerous. Since the outbreak in March, different kinds of people were witnessed on the streets with some claiming to believe that the pandemic is a hoax and a scam conjured by the government. What is especially problematic is that if too many people are constantly breaking the rules, the situation becomes similar to lots of people not following the rules at all.
Meanwhile, India is witnessing an increase in the daily new cases of COVID-19 since February clearly indicating a second wave. Moreover, based on trends till March 23, the total number of coronavirus cases in India in the second wave is expected to be around 25 lakhs. In times like these, it becomes very important to re-evaluate our own behaviour and not give in to herd mentality which focuses on letting the guard down for minor conveniences.
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