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Public health officials around the world have said it more than enough times — social distancing is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19.

With entire countries such as Italy and Spain resorting to a nation-wide lockdown to keep people in their homes, Canada could potentially move in the same direction if social distancing isn’t taken seriously.

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But the warnings haven’t stopped the ‘#COVIDIOTS’ who spawned a hashtag that gained quick popularity on Twitter over the weekend when users began sharing photos of packed grocery stores, beaches and parks.

The trend started in the United Kingdom with photos of shoulder-to-shoulder lines in shops and people coming in droves to parks and public areas, despite warnings from public health to stay inside and only go out for essential items.