Lack of information on local cases inexcusable

I AM becoming increasingly annoyed by the information we are given by the Executive for changing measures to deal with Covid-19.

We are told the R-rate has increased, for instance. No one knows how it is calculated and, in any case, it is irrelevant in the short-term.

What is useful is the number of cases in each area and by this I do not mean Mid East Antrim or Mid Ulster; I mean the number of cases in the area in which I live.

The number of cases in Lisburn, Bangor and Carrickfergus should be published on a weekly basis. This would not be difficult.

This could be done in such a way that they are not actually identified. The people who have tested positive are not criminals and have done nothing wrong. They do not need to be protected.

On the contrary, I would suggest people will avoid them if possible. If this information was given we could work out the R-rate ourselves in our area.

There would be several benefits of this approach. Firstly, it would let people know the virus is present in their area and would increase the need for social distancing and other measures.

Secondly, it might increase the likelihood of persons with the virus actually self-isolating as required.

Thirdly, if there are no cases in an area the locals can social distance and wash hands, but live with a lot less stress.

Could the authorities start giving us useful information on which we can all act and stop talking about R-rates, when they don’t know how they’re calculated themselves?

JEFF MILLAR Carrickfergus, Co Antrim