AS we head into Easter weekend, politicians have been keen to stress how important it is that we resist the temptation to relax our self-regulation around lockdown. They point out that the weather will be warmer and people will be finding the separation from their loved ones all the more difficult. They reminded us – again – how important it is that we stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.

While that message has been unambiguous, some of the interpretation of the rules by authority figures has been criticised for going beyond what is actually set out in the legislation.

This week, we’ve heard much talk of the minority of people who are flouting the rules. We’ve heard warnings about what that might mean for the rest of us. One such suggestion was that parks could be closed because people are using them for things other than exercise.

The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police was widely criticised for saying that if people buy “non-essential’’ items during shopping trips, police might have to start checking shopping baskets.

READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: Dominic Raab lacks authority and authenticity – leaders need both

Individual police officers over-reaching in their implementation of the Covid-19 legislation are in as much of a minority as the people who are refusing to do what is being asked of them. But it’s the exceptions that will always make the headlines. The man who phoned a radio show to say that police should have the power to shoot sunbathers is no more representative of the population than the people we’re told don’t have the “common sense’’ to follow the rules without the threat of brute force or a heavy fine.

What I’ve found curious about this whole thing isn’t that some authority figures have gotten a bit drunk on the new powers, it’s how enthusiastically some members of the public have cheered them on.

The glee with which some people have been snooping on their neighbours, ready to condemn them for (presumed) non-essential trips for fresh air and supplies has been disconcerting to say the least.

We see this in the debate around how people are choosing to use their daily time outdoors.

Some lycra-clad busybodies are furious that people might want to just be outside, rather than doing government-approved exercise. I’ve been to the park once since lockdown began. I didn’t exercise with my six year-old, we just wandered around for half an hour and looked at the daffodils. We were the only people there. Was that against the rules? Some people would say it was.

We see photos of people in parks taken by other people in parks, who arrogantly assume that their time outdoors was virtuous, necessary and within the rules, but the people around them doing the exact same thing were somehow acting irresponsibly.

READ MORE: David Pratt: Here’s why 'Sleepy' Joe Biden will knock out Donald Trump

Their argument goes like this. They say that if one weary mum sits down on the grass while her toddler burns off some energy, hordes of others will do the same. It will be a grass-sitting free-for-all. Soon, you will have a crowd of people. Everybody will forget the two-meter rule. It will be like T in the Park without the tents.

That argument is as nonsensical as it is punitive. Whether you are outside trying to reach your 5k personal best or standing talking to some birds in a tree – who cares, as long as you are following all the advice around social distancing.

What if you can’t (or don’t want to) jog, power walk or cycle? What if you don’t have a garden, but you want to take a second to breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on your face?

Polling shows that the public are supportive of lockdown measures and the necessary restrictions to our freedoms. We understand why life can’t continue as normal and why it is imperative that we flatten the curve of the outbreak so that our NHS doesn’t buckle under the strain. The overwhelming majority of people are keen to play their part, behave responsibly and minimise the risk to themselves and other people.

We are all feeling a bit stressed and anxious just now. It’s not surprising that some have reacted with resentment and suspicion towards their fellow citizens. But we’re all just trying our best. You can’t tell somebody’s circumstances from looking at them and making a snap judgement.

The woman sitting on a park bench, rather than jogging, cycling or doing any of the other “acceptable” outdoor activities, might have just had some bad news. She might be needing 10 minutes away from the volatility of her home life.

The man in the shop who looks like he has more items than he needs could be shopping for elderly relatives, neighbours or friends. He might be picking up a few extras for the foodbank.

READ MORE: Joanna Cherry: This is what we can achieve when we pull together

These are extraordinary times. The last few weeks of lockdown have been hard for some and almost unbearable for others. The uncertainty we are experiencing as individuals is compounded by the societal strain we are feeling as a collective.

We’ll come through it. At some point, things will get better. But now, more than ever, we need a bit of solidarity, compassion and understanding – not an instinctive rush to condemnation and judgement of our fellow citizens.

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.