There have been several reports in the media recently of people becoming unhinged when encountering people in public who weren’t wearing masks. This is happening even in areas where mask wearing is not required.

This included a woman who allegedly pepper sprayed a man, who was having a picnic in a San Diego dog park with his family, because they were not wearing a mask. READ: VIDEO: Man Allegedly Pepper Sprayed for Not Wearing Mask at Dog Park

Or the woman who screamed at a woman and her children hoping they would die because they were not wearing a mask in a Georgia grocery store. READ: Unhinged, mask-wearing woman screams in small children’s faces: ‘I hope you all die!’

Or a man in a Florida hotel, who opened fire with his gun allegedly because a mother and her son were sitting in the lobby without masks. Fortunately, no one was hit by his random shooting. READ: Florida man opens fire in hotel lobby because a mother and son weren’t social distancing, police say

What is behind all this?

Well a study being conducted by psychologists from Texas, New York, British Columbia and Saskatchewan on people’s emotional reactions to COVID has uncovered some interesting details.

Their research shows that there are basically three groups of people. There is a group at the top, about 16%, who are very concerned about the Coronavirus. A second group, where the vast majority fall, are concerned, but are looking forward to seeing the lockdown end. And then there is a bottom group who believe that other things, including the economic fallout from the lockdowns, are a bigger concern than the virus itself.

One of the researchers alleges this about the 16% who are extremely concerned. The LeaderPost writes:

Researchers will take a deeper look at people’s feelings toward reopening during the next phase of the project, but Asmundson says current results suggest likely responses, with those in the mid-range likely to be cautiously optimistic about reopening but those in the upper end — 16 per cent of respondents, many of whom have pre-existing anxiety-related disorders — are more likely to face the idea of leaving their homes with dread.

The researchers also noted that the 16% who are terrified of the virus are also very concerned about the bottom group who don’t look upon COVID as a serious threat. The LeaderPost explains:

The differences in perspective might also add to stresses for some as they perceive others as being less concerned or not taking appropriate steps to protect themselves and others.

READ: Province reopening will be a challenge for some

Studies are showing that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are the ones must vulnerable to the Coronavirus.