During this global emergency, we have seen police in Northern Ireland given wide-ranging powers which in any other circumstances would be viewed as highly controversial and unacceptably intrusive.
Yet, such is the gravity of the threat faced by millions of people that the introduction of stringent measures are broadly supported by those who understand that they are in response to a short term, unprecedented and dangerous situation.
That said, it is also essential that the strengthened police powers are not used in a way that undermines public confidence.
There is no doubt that the majority of people are doing their best to observe the new rules on social distancing, recognising that this is a key step in helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus, which has so far claimed the lives of 22 people in the north.
New regulations that took effect from Saturday at 11pm include fines of up to £5,000 for those failing to follow a series of measures, among them restrictions on travel and a ban on gatherings of more than two people.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said that there were a few occasions over the weekend where people travelled to beauty spots, and in one case, police had to tell someone who was self-isolating to return home.
There does need to be a degree of common sense about all this and the message from the authorities is that people should stay in their local area.
As justice minister Naomi Long said: "We're not trying to be killjoys, we're not trying to make people's lives difficult, we're trying to keep people safe.''
While most people are acting responsibly, protecting themselves and the wider community, there is a minority whose behaviour is so grossly reckless that some form of sanction is the only response.
In recent days we have heard about disgusting and despicable behaviour involving the abuse of people providing essential services.
In Belfast, three Translink workers were coughed on and spat at by people claiming to have the coronavirus while police officers have been subject to similar attacks.
It beggars belief that in the midst of this unprecedented health crisis we are seeing such vile and reprehensible conduct from mindless idiots.
And while it is only a small number, the police need to demonstrate that such attacks will not be tolerated.
