Looking back to 12 March of this year when the first case of COVID-19 in York was confirmed seems like a lifetime ago [1]. Everyone then was speaking in hushed tones about the virus being in town almost as if by denying it and keeping it a secret, it would go away. Life with COVID-19 is dreadful, and everyone is craving normality. But until there is a vaccine or treatment, what happens if you disregard the COVID-19 guidelines set out by the government?
The Metropolitan Police has said they will be trying to use the four ‘Es’: Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce [2]. Firstly, if they are called or see unsafe behaviour they will engage in the incident, explain what you are doing wrong, encourage you to follow protocol and (depending on the severity) they can enforce fines.
Your first offence will cost you £200. Technically, if you are in any breach of the guidelines, they have the discretion to fine you. They will often begin with a warning but do know, this warning means your name is now in the police database. Not a good way to begin a legal career! Your second offence will cost you £400 and every subsequent charge after that will be double your previous charge. Police are encouraging the public to report any and all social gatherings as these have become super spreader events. So, your next flat party cover charge could cost you £200 and hold a permanent place for your name in a police database [3].
We all know it is impossible for the police to catch every single person who chooses to disobey the lockdown rules. It is our duty as young, healthy individuals to obey the rules, discontinue being super spreaders and avoid a second lockdown. The unprecedented nature of this global pandemic forces us to take personal responsibility for ourselves instead of relying on authority to enforce our own personal health and safety. Just because you are confident you will not get caught does not mean you should act critically irresponsible during these times.
Of the 18,000 students and 4,500 staff at the University of York, there are close to 500 students currently self-isolating due to positive test results [4]. Many of those students are breaking curfew, meeting up with friends, and extending the time we must all stay in isolation.
Veterans are being forced to stand outside for Remembrance Sunday. Frontline healthcare workers have bought caravans so they can isolate from their families. Loved ones have to attend funerals of those who have died from the virus. The least we can do as students is to avoid temporarily stopping gathering socially and follow the guidelines so we can stop the spread and avoid another lockdown. Ask yourself before you disregard the guidelines, is it worth it?
Police Chiefs In England To Target People Flouting Lockdown Rules' (the Guardian, 2020) <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/england-police-chiefs-to-target-people-ignoring-covid-lockdown-rules> accessed 22 November 2020.
<https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/c19/coronavirus-covid-19/> accessed 22 November 2020.
City Council, 'Information On Coronavirus – City Of York Council' (City of York Council, 2020) <https://www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus> accessed 22 November 2020.
<https://www.york.ac.uk/> accessed 22 November 2020.
