The Brief: Amid a public health crisis, #Covidiots are people who refuse to abide by the restrictions placed to limit the spread of the coronavirus and just arbitrarily fend for themselves.
DEEP DIVE
A new hashtag has developed over time for those who choose to hoard essential grocery items in-stores, refuse staying inside, and avoid social distancing. These types of people are now labeled as #Covidiots to illustrate how these individuals are putting others at risk for the sake of their own free will.
The identifier derived from India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi declaration that urged the nation of India to not panic during the Coronavirus outbreak and to keep faith in their established government who will provide them resources:
My fellow citizens,
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.
Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.
Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.
Jai Hind!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020
People who panicked, refused to quarantine, and were taking more resources than they needed were called #Covidiots by many other inhabitants of India. The citizens who chose to stray away from the nationwide lockdown which was put into effect on March 24, 2020 were insulted online by other Indian citizens who noticed the Coronavirus fatality rate was beginning to rise steadily in the country.
Look at these #COVIDIOTS our PM #NarendraModi asked the whole nation to self quarantine n ring 🔔 from home..but these Idiots made a procession of it😡
These guyss don't know the seriousness!
With this careless attitude only GOD can save India #COVIDIOT @Kaalateetham pic.twitter.com/O6ttIoiEKW— Dr. Varun S J (@Dr_Rain_) March 22, 2020
The hashtag then transformed from online criticism directed towards India’s civilians to a worldwide assertion of the poor actions other countries are taking to combat the disease. Many Americans began bashing Donald Trump’s decree to reopen American franchises by Easter. Frightened by the heightened chances of the Coronavirus spreading faster by this declaration, Americans started labeling their president as a #Covidiot alongside the other Americans who reside on the supportive side of his decision.
Can @JustinTrudeau confirm that we can permanently close the border to #America as long as @realDonaldTrump is in power?
Dear American People,
Your president will allow you to die for the sake of profits. #COVIDIOTS #CoronaVirusCanada #LockdownNow https://t.co/dEI13oVujC
— Muna Kadri (@munakadri) March 24, 2020
Canadian #COVID19 pressers r from Public Health officials. Politicians provide the funds & resources. Parliament coordinated cross party voting w a quorem to pass support bills.This is how adults handle a crisis. America is broken. #RandPaulVirus #COVIDIOTS https://t.co/tXMM0hkaHZ
— No WAYNE (@NoWAYNE3) March 23, 2020
Unfortunately America is battling on two fronts –
the Coronavirus and The Moronavirus #COVIDIOTS #COVID19US pic.twitter.com/rvzPmE9U3k
— ✨Rey Skywalker ✨ (@Rey_Sistance) March 23, 2020
Trump is signaling he doesn’t want to social distance anymore and instead would like to make it business as usual in America
GOP just wants to give tax cuts to the rich and money to corporations
GOP & 45 blatantly don’t care if Americans starve or die#COVIDIOTS #GOPSlushFund
— Mara McEwin (@maramcewin) March 24, 2020
Don’t be #COVIDIOTS #StayHome #Cmon pic.twitter.com/h47FQWPP2L
— Mrs. America (@MrsAmericaUSA) March 23, 2020
Thanks to the corruption and incompetence of the @gop, we’re now leading the world in new #COVIDー19 cases.
Welp, they did promise America would be world leaders! Guess they kept their word. #COVIDIOTS pic.twitter.com/rep3SytTts
— Tennesseine (@Tennesseine) March 23, 2020
The United States of America is a criminal business enterprise.
It's citizens are marks to be scammed and bled dry, tossed out when no longer economically vialble.
Up yours America. #COVIDIOTS pic.twitter.com/GmVcoeCV9Y
— The Power To Control (@Power2Control) March 23, 2020