In countries that are on lockdown, some people are choosing to go outside and gather in groups despite it being illegal and carrying health risks.
This is because humans hate being told what to do.
So, how are you supposed to enforce social distancing in a country that is not on lockdown and has no laws keeping people in their homes?
Well, you could try scaring the living sh*t out of them.
Fake Ghosts Are Being Planted in an Indonesia Village to Keep People Home
As you know, Indonesia is one of the few countries with high coronavirus numbers that haven’t yet imposed a lockdown.
They have urged people to practise social distancing and good hygiene instead.
But as an additional measure, the leaders of a village in Indonesia have come up with a spooky yet ingenious way to keep people indoors.
Residents of the Kepuh village have been noticing mysterious white figures jumping out at unsuspecting passers-by outside their homes.
These ghosts weren’t summoned and paid to do so by the village leaders, of course; everyone knows ghosts make terrible employees.
Instead, a youth group in the village worked with local police to set up a team of volunteers who dressed as mythical “pocong” – a spirit originating from folklore that represents trapped souls of the dead.
These pochong are also known as “shroud ghosts”, according to the Independent, meaning they look like a stereotypical representation of a ghost; a person wearing a white sheet.
Except these white sheets are tied over the head, around the neck, and under the feet.
It’s the kind of creature you might see in a cartoon adaptation of your worst nightmare.
Had The Opposite Effect
Obviously, the idea behind this move was that if people saw these scary creatures roaming around they wouldn’t want to leave their homes.
“We wanted to be different and create a deterrent effect because ‘pocong’ are spooky and scary,” said Mr Anjar Pancaningtyas, head of a village youth group.
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“Residents still lack awareness about how to curb the spread of Covid-19 disease,” said village head Priyadi, “They want to live like normal so it is very difficult for them to follow the instruction to stay at home.”
Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.
Reader: The ghosts were scared by the people?
What? No. Instead of staying indoors, many of them went outside to catch a glimpse of the apparitions.
However, this village’s supernatural strategy now seems to be working, with villagers running off in fright when the ghosts appear.
Goody Feed has managed to uncover some footage of the disturbing scare-tactics:
One resident said that parents and children have not left their homes since the ghosts have started scaring them into staying indoors.
“And people will not gather or stay on the streets after evening prayers,” he added.
Strategy Also Tried In Malaysia
This spooky strategy was also tried in Malaysia, where a man dressed up as a ghost in white sheets to spook his errant neighbours into staying at home.
Surprise, surprise, it worked.
Maybe what some Singaporeans need is a creepy mythical being to keep us from gathering in groups outdoors during the circuit breaker?
What if, instead of NEA officers, Pennywise clowns were stationed at every hawker centre, market, and mall, to scare those who flout safe distancing rules?
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You can bet your cousin’s toaster that every resident in the country will magically start following the government’s instructions.