This surge raises the question of whether some countries moved too quickly to open up their economies because of political and social pressure, and not on the basis of good science and sound medical advice. Whatever their reasons, the habits of people played an important role as well. Complacent rule-breakers are blamed for having spread the virus in Melbourne. Elsewhere, too, social distancing norms were flouted wildly by people rushing to embrace their new-found freedom after weeks at home, forgetful of the consequences of ignoring precautions that should have become second nature by then.
