Draconian Measures

The Covid lockdown measures have been one of the most severe and oppressive interventions in human history. They violated people’s basic rights and freedoms, caused immense harm to society and economy, and failed to achieve their intended goals of stopping the virus. Many argue that the Covid lockdown measures were unjustified and even Draconian.

The term Draconian comes from Draco, an ancient Greek lawmaker who imposed harsh and cruel punishments for minor offenses. Draconian measures are measures that are excessively severe, harsh or strict.

During the lockdowns, the government forced people to stay at home, limited their movement, travel and social interactions. In some cases, people were physically locked in their homes, arrested or fined for going outside. They closed down businesses, schools, places of worship and cultural venues. In some cases, authorities had the power to shut down individual events, shops or restaurants if they were deemed to pose a risk. Some jurisdictions imposed curfews, and almost all had mask mandates. The controversial vaccine passports system added to the heap of Draconian measures.

Beyond that the government infringed on people’s personal choices and behaviors. In some cases, people faced discrimination, coercion or violence for not complying with these rules.

The justification for these Draconian measures were severly lacking when the scientific evidence and proportionality are taken into account. The scientific conclusions were based on flawed models, unreliable data and arbitrary criteria. Also, they did not consider the trade-offs, costs and benefits of different interventions. They did not account for the variability of the virus, the population and the context.

The lockdowns strategy lacked effectiveness and sustainability. The lockdown measures did not stop the virus from spreading or mutating. They only delayed the inevitable infections and deaths. They created a false sense of security and dependency on government actions. They did not address the root causes of the pandemic, such as poor health systems, environmental degradation and social injustice.

Another factor fermenting the lockdowns as Draconian was the lack of democracy and accountability. The lockdown measures were imposed by governments without proper consultation, consent or oversight from the public or the parliament. They violated the principles of human rights, rule of law and separation of powers. They eroded public trust and social cohesion6.

Instead of Covid lockdown measures, we should adopt a more balanced, rational and humane approach to deal with the pandemic. We should protect the vulnerable and treat the sick. We should focus our resources and efforts on preventing deaths and severe outcomes among those who are most at risk from Covid, such as the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with underlying conditions. We should also ensure that everyone has access to quality health care services and treatments.

Promote personal responsibility and informed consent. We should respect people’s autonomy and dignity to make their own decisions about their health and well-being. We should provide them with accurate, transparent and timely information about the virus, the vaccines and the alternatives. We should also encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyles.

A lesson can be learned from the Draco, the harsh legislator from the 7th century.

At the end of his life, Draco was driven out of Athens and spend the remainder of his life exiled on an island.