“Covidiots” is a term that has become increasingly popular on social media platforms.

It describes someone who ignores the warnings regarding public health or safety, or a person who hoards goods, denying them from their neighbours.

Take this example, courtesy of Urban Dictionary: Did you see that covidiot with 300 rolls of toilet paper in his basket?

As is the case with most things in life, the majority are often punished by the minority doing the wrong thing.

Unfortunately, during this pandemic so far, there have been far too many people not thinking clearly and putting themselves above everyone else.

It was astonishing to see and read about the crowds that rolled up to Sydney’s Bondi Beach and other public venues across the weekend.

The resulting punishment for their disregard of social distancing rules?

Essentially, detention for the rest of Australia.

The closure of non-essential services, including pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas, gyms and places of worship, was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday.

It might well have come to this point down the track, but the decision was almost certainly sped up by the idiocy of so many.

Ultimately, it’s up to us to make smart decisions to help ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the severity of the pandemic.