We seem to have entered yet another chapter of this endless Coronavirus saga.

After several countries, including Malta, eased restrictions at the start of summer at a time when the virus appeared to be under control, they have now been forced to re-introduce some measures as Covid-19 reared its head again, more viciously than ever before. Only last Wednesday, France and Germany imposed new lockdowns, just to mention two examples.

In Malta, the government has ordered the closure of bars and clubs for at least one month, while limiting groups to just six people, instead of 10. The measures came into force yesterday.

People are now, however, reacting differently.

In the earlier phases of the virus, when fear was predominant and there was so much which was as yet unknown, people understood the need for the action that was being taken. They accepted that bars and restaurants needed to be closed, that non-essential shops had to be kept shut, and that they had to adapt to social distancing measures.

But, as we all know, time passes and things change. And so, even though the situation is now worse than it was six months ago as the number of cases continues to rise and people continue to die, the reaction to the new round of restrictions is different.

We’re seeing it happening in several countries, most notably Europe. People are refusing to accept curfews, the imposition of staying at home even though deep down they know it’s for their own good and the need to wear masks and take all necessary precautions to contain the spread of the virus.

There have been protests in various cities, some of which turned violent. And there are many people who are resorting to civil disobedience, including the refusal to wear masks in public. They are being fined for breaking the rules, but that is their way of showing dissent. Whether the fines are being paid is a different story.

But all this shows that people have started to reject advice given by health authorities, and the obligation of following measures which have changed their lifestyle. What was endorsed six months ago when the first wave of the virus hit and it was thought that it would blow over in a matter of weeks is now being refused.

Here in Malta, we have not yet reached the stage of public protests, but a quick look at what is being said on the social media gives a clear indication of the negative public sentiment.

On the one hand, it is understandable that people are fed up with the situation. In societies such as ours, we were all free to do as we please within the limits of reasonable laws, which were set to establish an order most of us followed. Now that these restrictions are eating into our habits and small luxuries it was bound to happen that people would rise in protest.

Having said this, we believe that we should appeal to the public to continue following the guidelines that have been established by the authorities. It is only via discipline that we will get out of this predicament.

We understand that sacrifices have to be made and that it is not easy to adapt to new circumstances. But there will be a heftier price to pay unless everyone follows the rules.