One of the most heartening aspects of the current crisis is how so many people have changed behaviour, responded to the scientific advice and acted responsibly for the good of themselves and the wider community.
Quite often it is the most challenging of circumstances that brings out the best in people and so we have seen over the past four months.
This commitment to staying at home and observing the rules has undoubtedly helped to suppress the virus spread and, crucially, saved lives.
However, as lockdown eases there is a clear danger that some will think they can now behave as if the coronavirus has disappeared.
This mindset could prove disastrous, leading to a second wave in infections and undoing all the important work that has gone before.
We have already seen spikes in Germany and the United States while the scenes of packed beaches and crowds gathering in parts of England is deeply alarming.
Closer to home and it is particularly disturbing to hear reports of antisocial behaviour in the Holylands area of south Belfast with police saying there were large crowds of people 'partying, singing and generally causing a disturbance.'
It seems that various house parties had extended to the street with the Holylands Residents Committee saying the scenes resembled a riot.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including disorderly behaviour.
Aside from the public health risks associated with considerable numbers in close proximity to each other it is appalling that local residents are being subjected once again to what is completely unacceptable conduct.
Meanwhile, clashes in the Waterworks park area of north Belfast are also a serious cause for concern.
According to Councillor Paul McCusker one young male sustained injuries on Thursday night.
The deputy lord mayor also made the point that these activities are diverting police resources from the search for missing schoolboy Noah Donohoe, who is very much in our thoughts at present.
After a difficult period that saw the public make considerable sacrifices in the interests of saving lives, no one wants to see a resurgence in infection or a return to lockdown.
Those who ignore the guidelines are putting themselves and others at risk.
