Irresponsible behaviour must be dealt with harshly

This picture has been used for representational purpose

A British commentator who is known for her controversial remarks has been deported from Australia for her comment about breaching hotel quarantine. Hopkins had entered Australia to star in a TV reality show. Reports say she posted a video on her social media accounts where she said she would be wearing no clothes, not even the mandatory mask, when hotel staffers, who were supposed to deliver her food, came to her room.

She called lockdowns the greatest hoax in history. She was fined and deported, and the social post deleted. What is important though is Australia's leaders calling her out saying the comments were appalling. They have also stated that her comments are a slap in the face of their efforts and that she would be leving. They backed words with action, actually deporting her.

This is admirable considering that they made this celebrity an example. They were also non-negotiable when it came to seriousness of quarantine, showcasing why rules are made, why they matter and why it is important to follow them.

There may be plenty of well-merited criticism about Australia, but this case, should surely shine the spotlight on how our leaders are supposed to set an example about isolation guidelines in these times.

The no fear, no favour approach by the government works and this also shows that a casual, flippant way of dealing with quarantine will get a very forceful response. This reaction needs to be adopted here, deportation may not happen and here cases may be very different but flouting lockdowns should be condemned forcefully and the famous must be made to toe the line just like others.

The Katie Hopkins episode must resonate here to send a message that rules are non-negotiable and we will back word with action.