Bermuda Threatens Jailtime for Social Distancing Failures

We got word this week from Southcoast Health's Infectious Disease expert Dr, Eliesel Lacerda De La Cruz that he expects the COVID-19 coronavirus to peak on or around April 14th. With an incubation period of anywhere from five to 10 days, that would make the next two weeks critical for social distancing.

If the doctor is right, it won't be any more dangerous to leave the house and go out into public than it will be over the next 10-14 days. That being said, we are still hearing anecdotes of people who just don't get it, or they simply don't care.

It begs the question of what else can the government do to get us past this public health crisis with as few casualties as possible? If people are unwilling to listen, should harsher measures be taken?

“Together we must do all we can to save lives, and the danger of waiting is not worth the money it might save. We must act decisively and we must act now. The future of Bermuda depends on us all doing our part.” --Bernews

Take, for example, the island of Bermuda. According to the island's leading newspaper, Bernews, a failure to practice proper social distancing could put you in jeopardy of a $5,000 fine and even imprisonment.

Bermuda's closure notice is clear: "1,000 fine first offence; second and subsequent offence will result in conviction of three [3] months imprisonment or a $5,000 fine or both. And where the offense is a continuing offense, in addition to the above punishment of $500 fine per day."

There's no gray area, here. Bermuda is not messing around.

Would you support a crackdown like this in Massachusetts? Is it necessary? Or is it a violation of our rights and freedoms?