Guns and roses classed alongside cannabis and golf

The coronavirus pandemic is defining for the world what is “essential” and what things we really cannot do without – even though we might not need them for survival.

Whether it is in Asia, Europe, Africa or the United States, there is general agreement – health care workers, law enforcement, utility workers, food production and communications are generally exempt from lockdowns. But some lists of exempted activities reflect the values of hte nation making them, or the efforts of lobbyists.

In some US states, golf, guns and marijuana have been ruled essential, raising eyebrows and, in the case of guns, a good deal of ire.

Countries including India, and US states, are listing the information technology sector as essential.

The world’s dependency on the internet has become even more apparent as countless people confined to their homes use it to stave off cabin fever.

Several states where marijuana is legal, such as California and Washington, deemed pot shops and workers in the market’s supply chain essential.

Connecticut governor Ned Lamont added gun shops to his list of essential businesses.

In Arizona, governor Doug Ducey included golf courses on his list and in New Hampshire, governor Chris Sununu said flower shops are among the essentials.