Deeds, not excuses

IN the two World Wars, British Governments used a multitude of channels to communicate with the public. This contributed to British victories. Communication was one factor, and it helped.

This is not a world war, but it is a global pandemic and we are caught up in it. It has had various twists and turns and phases. We are where we are. In the wars, governments used posters, leaflets, commemorative mugs, matchboxes etc to convey messages which inspired people to victory. Are we really doing all we could?

We are told that pubs are dangerous places. So why not print beer mats with key public health messages? Pay the pubs to do this. It would cost a lot less than the billions wasted on a failed Test & Trace system!

You’ve got to reach people where they are, and if they are in the pub, that’s one place where a subtle – subtle, please note – message can go.

It would catch some people’s eyes and at least spark a conversation or two. Which is no bad thing.

We could also engage designers and artists to come up with new designs for the core messages around Hands, Face, Space. Have

we done this? No. Could we? Yes.

If those in authority can get their acts together and get over the headin-sand “not invented here” syndrome, we could. Bristol is chock full of designers.

We need effective actions, deeds not excuses and blather!

Local and national public health should use all available channels of communication.

Name and address withheld