However, ‘I do not think that people are woefully irresponsible, but we are dealing with a combination of factors,’ said professor Ashraf Kagee.

People are tired of the lockdown and weary of all the restrictions which have been placed upon them – and that’s why some of them are acting in a reckless way and helping cause a spike in coronavirus infections.

Stellenbosch University psychology professor Ashraf Kagee said: “The fact that human beings are social animals and need to interact with each other is something that should not be taken lightly.