Being Responsible And Irresponsible At The Time Of Coronavirus Outbreak

The coronavirus outbreak is the first-of-its-kind, at least in our lifetimes and we are only still learning about it as the infection continues to spread across the world. So far the best way to be safe from Covid-19 is to avoid situations that could possibly spread it.

And across the world, people have been advised to avoid mass gatherings and practice social distancing. This includes isolating oneself from the rest of the world if you have a suspected infection or have traveled to a place where Covid-19 was reported.

These practices are for the good of everyone and it is expected that everyone practices them. But the sad reality is that some feel that these do not apply to them.

Recently Karnataka Chief Minister CM Yediyurappa had come under heavy criticism after he and several MLAs attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of MLC Mahantesh Kavatahimath in Belgavi on March 15.

This was despite his own government's order banning large gatherings in the state. The government had advised putting off weddings, among other events, till the virus is contained or restricting the number of guests below 100 for a week from last Saturday. However, the wedding was attended by around 2000 of guests.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan is another politician who defied the lockdown order in the state. On Sunday, while most of the state was under a lockdown and tourist spots shut, Khan took it as an opportunity for a pleasure trip with his family.

Kerala Governor/ Twitter

Khan and his family Khan went to Ponmudi on a ¡®pleasure trip¡¯ accompanied by a physician and 40 police personnel. This was just days after he had appealed to the people of Keala to follow the restrictions imposed in the state due to the coronavirus outbreak.

But there are others who have set an example by voluntarily isolating themselves from society. Former Union minister and BJP MP Suresh Prabhu has kept himself in isolation as a precaution after returning from a visit to Saudi Arabia.

BCCL

Prabhu decided to home quarantine despite testing negative after his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he had gone to attend G20 Sherpa Meeting. The MP will be in home quarantine for 14 days.

Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muralidharan is also on a self-isolation at his official residence in Delhi after he came into contact with the doctor from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram who had tested positive for coronavirus on March 15.

BCCL

The minister who had recently attended a programme at the hospital has not shown any signs of the infection.