India has been under lockdown since March 25 and today is day 13. Similarly, France announced a lockdown from March 17 where residents could step out only for essentials with a self-certified letter.
However, one man decided to drive from the city of Perpignan in France to La Jonquera in Spain crossing the Pyrenees mountain range for cheap cigarettes, reports BBC. Despite being stopped at a checkpoint by the authorities, he continued to walk along the hiking path.
Under normal circumstances, it is common for people living close to the Spanish border to avail the benefit of lower prices on cigarettes, alcohol, food items and fuel in their neighbouring country. But currently, many places have closed their borders to outsiders.
According to The Indian Express, he subsequently got lost, fell into a stream and contacted the mountain rescue service for help. A helicopter airlifted him to safety and once back, he was fined 135 euros (Rs.11,000) for violating lockdown.
"He fell into a stream, in brambles, got lost and ended up contacting" the emergency services, a mountain unit of the gendarmerie police force in the Pyrenees-Orientales region said on Twitter on Sunday.
— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) April 5, 2020
After being brought safely back, the man was given the €135 fine for breaking the confinement rules under which French residents can leave their homes only for essential reasons, and then with a self-certified note stating their business.
— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) April 5, 2020
At a time when officials are overburdened by the coronavirus pandemic, it is distressing to see people endangering their lives and consequently diverting resources. We hope that people remain indoors unless and until it is absolutely necessary to venture out so that we can successfully fight COVID-19.