Confusion and frustration on streets as new clamp sinks in
THE Government’s announcement met with mixed reactions in Newcastle yesterday.
Rachel Milen, 40, from South Shields, said: “My dad picks my younger daughter up from school so it means he won’t be able to because he’s in a different house.”
But she added: “A big part of me is pleased the lockdown is being enforced because when I’m on the school run I’m the only one who wears a mask in the yard.”
John Turner, 61, who has a fruit and vegetable stall in Newcastle city centre, said he was optimistic his business would survive.
He said: “There are still going to be people out shopping.
“We might have struggled if we were indoors but we are outdoors and we manage.”
Gloria Brown, 78 and from South Shields, said: “I think the Government don’t know what they are doing, and I don’t get it.
“I’m with my friend today and I have my family at home – does it mean we can’t visit them any more? I’ve been confused by it.”
Shambles
Development manager Gary Adley, 49, said: “A better approach would be protecting people who are high- risk. Lock down those affected and support those who need supporting. It is frustrating.”
Gary’s son Ben, 20, who is studying law at Northumbria University, said: “I moved in yesterday with five other people who have all lived at home for six months, so I don’t really see the damage in meeting one of my other friends from home.
“I don’t understand the risk but I will follow the rules”.
Stephanie Foster, 18, from South Shields, is due to start at Sheffield University next week. She said: “Going to the pub is fine but you can’t see your own family? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense.
“We’re a family of seven so we can’t have anyone else in the house anyway.”
Sandwich shop worker Andrew Dodds, 33, won’t be able to see his fiancee on his birthday next week as she lives in North Tyneside.
He said: “I think it’s a shambles.”