It’s not difficult to begin making comparisons between the current Coronavirus pandemic and previous pandemics which have all taken place throughout history. But for some people, the comparisons have become a little too real. For example, it seems that in Norfolk one person has actually taken the opportunity to dress up like a 17th century plague doctor.
The situation was shared by Sky News, where it was explained that people aren’t taking too kindly to the masked stranger. In fact, people are actually feeling downright terrified by the sight of this mysterious plague doctor. While it’s most likely just some fellow trying to have fun with a dark sense of humor, it appears that it might be a little too dark for those who have been effected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
British police hope to unmask mysterious ‘plague doctor’ seen during coronavirus lockdown. https://t.co/O4feSkezYj pic.twitter.com/Yt3JcFfjmM
— ABC News (@ABC) April 30, 2020
Here’s how Sky News described the situation:
“The figure was pictured clad in a black hat and robe and donning the famous pointed-beak mask that gave medics the nickname “quacks” hundreds of years ago. They prompted fears from parents after being spotted wandering around the Norwich suburb of Hellesdon during the coronavirus lockdown.”
Some of the reaction taken from a village social media page read:
“I admit he is weird but what harm is he doing… made me giggle.”
“It’s not illegal and if he can’t wear it now, when could he?”
“It’s quite a smart-looking costume and it’s important people realise that in the 17th Century plague doctors were the brave ones who went out to see people with the disease.”
“Scared the life out of my missus. Terrifying for kids.”
While it’s no doubt a little unsettling seeing someone walk around as if they were a 17th century plague doctor, I’d argue there’s no harm in it as long as they’re just someone trying to amuse themselves. After all, it’s been a difficult time for most of us during this quarantine. Perhaps a little humor is something the world needs. Nevertheless, it appears the timing just wasn’t right for Norfolk.
In fact, the Norfolk police are currently searching for the plague doctor in an effort to deliver “words of advice.” It seems they, like many of the residents that witnessed the masked stranger, are not pleased with their behavior. In that case, let’s hope that this will be the last we’ll see of the mysterious plague doctor.