Empty shelves are pictured at a store in Johannesburg, 24 March 2020. Some people have stockpiling amid fears of shortages because of the Covid 19 virus pandemic. A lock down is to be implemented as of midnight Thursday 26 March2020. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
It will be interesting if, a few weeks from now, the authorities announce they have identified coronavirus infection transmission hot spots… at the supermarkets where hundreds queued yesterday to panic buy.
In many cases, these people – ignoring reassurances from grocery chains and the authorities that supply chains will run as normal during the lockdown – stood a lot closer to each other than the recommended distance to reduce the chance of transmission.
So, by running to stock up before heading to your “safe” bolthole where you think you can keep the world and the virus at bay, you endangered your own health.
We have seen this before – as far back as early 1994 when many feared the majority rule apocalypse would see them murdered in their beds – and it confirms that we are a nation which is more than excitable and dangerously neurotic.
It also highlights the “me first and to hell with the rest of you” attitude which has been at the heart of our worst behaviour, from corruption to sexism and racism.
At this time in our history, we have to think of more than ourselves. It may be hidden deep down, but we do still have compassion and humanity within us.
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