Right, Peter. The problem is, we have politicians making political decisions about a medical problem. It’s a real-life demonstration of Acton’s dictum that power corrupts. I’m going out. Yes, I’ll be at risk. But I’ve been at risk in three wars and in a number of flying situations. You’re always at risk. Eventually, you die. Big deal.
What is appropriate in one time and place may not be in another. I went out too, we all do because sooner or later we need to buy food. So you avoid close contact, avoid crowded places, wash often and don't touch your face. That's reasonable behaviour and not currently restricted in most places.
But if you're in Italy, and there is zero slack in the medical system, then it's a little more problematic. It's not so much because there is any real danger if you go out for a walk and don't approach anyone, it has probably more to do with the fact that there will always be people who don't abide by reasonable guidelines and you have to waste precious resources dealing with them so you pass temporary measures that would be draconian at another place in time.
This is standard operating procedure, isn't it. When riots break out, any curfew affects everyone, even the people who just want to go out for a walk because they're bored at home. When hurricanes hit Florida, people are evacuated. Otherwise later, resources will be wasted on your behalf.
None of this is rocket science nor is it new.
