As the pandemic rages on, we're all doing our best to ensure we slow the spread of the disease.
However, some of us could be doing better.
How do you get people to take this more seriously? We could shoot them.
At least, that's what a man named Keith from Norfolk, in the Unite Kingdom is advocating.
Last week, Jim Davis with BBC 5 Live radio took a call from Keith. Davis was asking his audience how to better manage the lockdown, as some Brits weren't following the government mandate.
It's a common enough problem that has plagued the country since the start of the pandemic. And unclear messaging from their government hasn't helped.
Luckily, they have Keith from Norfolk, with a bold and daring plan. Have the military shoot people who ignore government advice.
Those are his exact words, by the way.
"I would like the military on the streets and if the people ignore the government advice, I want the military to shoot them."
That seems a little extreme.
Now, Keith isn't completely unreasonable.
"Not necessarily kill them. Shoot them in the foot, shoot them in the hand."
"Teach them a lesson. And the other people will learn we will not flout the rules of this country. We will not disrespect the Queen."
I hope we don't have to explain why this is a bad idea.
In addition to the idea of just severely injuring someone for walking outside being a horrifying prospect, this extreme option would also put additional pressure on an already taxed healthcare system.
Which is exactly what Davis tried to argue before he was interrupted by Keith from Norfolk.
"If they are going about their reasonable exercise, or visiting somebody with health problems or is vulnerable, or going to work, or necessary shopping, we don't have to worry about them."
"But anybody else, and there's plenty of them, congregating together, taking the micky, spitting, being outrageous – shoot them. Shoot them."
Okay then, Keith from Norfolk.
We laugh at the idea of rolling out the military to handle this, but Keith is coming from an understandable place of fear.
Last week, the UK reported its highest daily deaths so far, with Friday having just shy of a thousand deaths caused by the disease.
And at the beginning of last week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was sent to the ICU after his case of the disease got worse. He has since been released, but the idea that even a head of state is in danger is still a terrifying prospect.
Which may be why it's kind of nice to have something we can joke about.
This might explain why Keith from Norfolk has quickly become a meme.
We're all in this together. We all have to do what we can to protect each other, and in turn, ourselves.
Wash your hands properly and often. Sanitize high touch surfaces. Consult a doctor if you develop symptoms—more and more health facilities are handling patients via video conferencing.
And most importantly, stay home if you are able or at least away from large gatherings while getting food or other supplies.
@GregAbbott_TX/X
