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These measures are not overkill. Canadians are mostly compliant, but many need more discipline. We’ve all seen reckless people on beaches and parks, oblivious to the well-being of others. Many are refusing to stay home, keep their distance from others or are gathering privately. All these people are potentially “spreaders,” or, as one headline labelled them, “covidiots.” Laws, with fines and punishments, already exist but aren’t working, nor is public shaming. Tracking Canadians using technology will keep everyone honest.

This week, two women — one in Quebec with coronavirus and another who was asked to self-isolate in Newfoundland — were arrested and put into jail (or isolation) for violating public health orders. Both were turned in by neighbours or concerned members of the public. Police have received hundreds of such tips, but are unable to follow up on them all.

How many others are ignoring the mandated restraints? Just one reckless individual can contaminate hundreds of people, who will, in turn, contaminate hundreds more. Likewise, just one reckless individual can contaminate hundreds of doorknobs, handles, railings, buses, taxis and subway cars.

Without extreme enforcement, enabled by off-the-shelf technology and government power, the disease won’t be stopped. Universal testing must also be a priority, in order to isolate the “spreaders,” but also to identify healthy people who can return to school and work to help kick start the economy.

Skittishness about privacy or freedom are valid concerns, but the status quo dictates that extraordinary action must be undertaken. This also means truly sealing our borders until the crisis is over.

The fact is that freedom is the right to swing your arm, but not to hit anyone with it, and privacy is a cherished privilege, but only if it causes no harm.

Financial Post