Remember back in school when we had to write lines again and again as punishment for doing something wrong?
Well, tourists in India are reportedly being forced to do the same, just that it’s not for breaking school rules.
It’s for failing to adhere to lockdown regulations amidst the highly contagious coronavirus outbreak.
Hey, the punishment could’ve been way worse.
Tourists Have to Write ‘Sorry’ 500 Times for Breaking Lockdown Rules in India
No this isn’t fake news.
I think.
According to CNA, ten foreigners who failed to adhere to coronavirus lockdown rules in an Indian town that was reportedly made famous by the Beatles were punished by being made to write “I am so sorry” a grand total of 500 times, according to officials on Sunday.
Not just a little bit sorry, but “so sorry”.
Lest you’re unaware, India implemented a nationwide lockdown that began near the end of March.
Residents are allowed to leave their homes only for essential services like purchasing groceries and medicine.
It’s pretty similar to our circuit breaker measures here in Singapore.
Travellers From Israel, Mexico, Australia and Austria
The travellers are from Israel, Mexico, Australia and Austria and were caught red-handed taking a walk in Rishikesh, where the Beatles sought spirituality at an Ashram back in 1968.
A local police officer named Vinod Sharma said that they were forced to write “I did not follow the rules of lockdown so I am so sorry” 500 times.
Apparently, they weren’t the first to flout the rules.
Sharma said that over 700 foreign tourists from all over the world, including places like US, Australia, Mexico and Israel staying in the area had failed to adhere to the lockdown rules.
Thus, the punishment was issued to each of them to punish them.
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The police have instructed hotels in the area to only allow foreign guests to go outside if they are accompanied by local helpers.
Establishments who failed to adhere to the order would face legal action.
Other Unusual Methods To Encourage People To Stay Home
A little extra creativity is always appreciated these days and it seems that India has stepped up in this aspect.
The police have brainstormed ingenious (and unusual) methods to encourage people to abide by the rules and stay at home.
This includes wearing coronavirus-shaped helmets.
Besides coronavirus-shaped helmets, officers in some states were seen in videos on social media beating drivers on roadsides and making those who break the rules do squats and leapfrogs as punishment.
Hey Singapore Police Force, you might want to take some notes.
In all seriousness, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to extend a nationwide lockdown that was originally scheduled to end on Tuesday, for yet another two weeks.
Some states have already extended the lockdown.
As of 12 April, India has a total of over 8,300 coronavirus cases and 273 deaths due to the virus.
In Singapore, Ministers have warned that if Singaporeans continue to flout the circuit breaker measures, more measures will be implemented.
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Let’s hope that doesn’t include writing lines, leapfrogs or squats for being caught breaking the rules.
Reader Bao: You prefer $10,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment?
That’s a tough choice to make.