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We have seen some protests, especially in the format of motorcades, against the social isolation adopted by state governments to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Some people's anger is justifiable. Many are afraid of becoming impoverished, losing their jobs, facing loneliness at home, depriving themselves of the freedom to come and go, etc. The longer the pandemic continues, the more people will lose jobs, businesses will close and the task of living with anxious children at home will become even more difficult.
On the other hand, a protest has the potential to bring together many people, which can substantially increase contagion among protesters, prolonging the isolation period. Although not everyone will admit it, they are probably at least a little afraid that they are wrong, that the health threat is more serious than they believe, and that COVID-19 could kill them or someone they love.
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More information about the motivations behind the protests against social isolation
Governors and mayors should create a better information and communication channel so that such voices do not spread throughout society. Many people have already lost their lives and the number of deaths will multiply if governors and mayors relax measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus.
As they cannot protest against the virus itself, the organizers of the motorcades use the protest as a response to the political decision of the social isolation. They turn governments into the enemy to be fought, blaming them for unemployment and business closures. To recruit followers, protesters present themselves as patriots, defenders of work, society and freedom.
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However, the governors' strategy of blaming the protesters, turning them into villainous defenders of the virus, will not solve the problem. It is important to make it clear that Brazil is not the only country to register protests against social isolation. The USA, Canada and Israel also had similar demonstrations to open companies and commercial establishments.
The spread of fake news and misinformation ends up strengthening protest groups. An example of misinformation is the fact that not everyone understands why their work or business is not classified as a “non-essential activity”. They act as if governments are persecuting some branches of economic activity and protecting others.
The best coronavirus mitigation models, such as the one adopted in Germany, combine isolation social effective, lots of information, a good healthcare system and some tolerance measures as long as they do not harm the effectiveness of containing the coronavirus. Conquering society, the protests opposites tend to reduce.
