“There has to be some consequence for
violating an executive order,” said Tulsa Police Lt.
Richard Meulenberg.
It turns out plenty of people agree.
Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies
as cities, states and countries work to enforce
directives meant to limit person-to-person
contact amid the virus pandemic that has
claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide.
They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines,
complaining to elected officials and shaming
perceived scofflaws on social media.
In hard-hit New York City, police arrested the
owner of an illegal Brooklyn speakeasy where
a dozen people were found drinking and
gambling after someone called 311 with a tip.
In Chicago, a yoga studio that believed it
qualified as an essential health and wellness
service was closed after the city — tipped off by
several residents — disagreed. Teacher Naveed
Abidi of Bikram Yoga West Loop studio said
he thought the studio could remain open if
the space was sanitized, class size limited and
students stayed far enough apart.
“If we were naughty with the government’s
order, then we’re very, very sorry” said Abidi,
who faces a fine of up to $10,000. “We’re not
here to cause problems, we’re here to practice
our poses.”
For most people, the new virus causes only
mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and
cough. For some, especially older adults and
people with existing health problems, it can
cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
But the virus is spreading rapidly and starting to
max out the health care system in several cities.
Image: LM Otero