Crack down on the virus idiots

In the first lockdown whenever my wife and I walked our dog, the streets were empty of people and vehicles.

We went on the same walk last weekend and so many people were out and about - and we live in a Tier 4 area. Surely, this is one of the reasons the infection rate is still climbing.

The critical criteria for stopping the spread has always been keeping two metres distance and the new strain can only spread effectively because people must be breaking the distance rule.

The Government has lost the confidence of the population. People aren’t watching the three lecterns in Downing Street - just the sight of Johnson or Hancock is enough for most people to change channels or switch off.

I don’t know how the pandemic can be controlled in such circumstances. It’s really uncomfortable living under these restrictions and having to rely on people who have proved to be totally unreliable. Terry Marriott Waterlooville, Hants

The reason the virus is out of control is because people have lost faith in this Government.

The rules have changed so many times people are interpreting them how they like. With so many bending the rules even slightly, this is enabling the new variant to get a hold.

Until enough people get the vaccine I fear we are in for a rough time and I can’t see a lockdown making any difference. John Newman Peterborough

THE Tier 3 and 4 lockdowns won’t work unless the Government brings in compulsory measures to ensure people abide by the advice.

They have had enough time to know the rules and after nine months or more of guidance and warnings people caught ignoring them should be prosecuted.

It is the only way to get on top of this virus. It’s no use vaccinating the population if some idiots continue flouting the rules. R J Tandy, Liverpool

When I read about selfish people brazenly breaking rules it sickens me. They have blood on their hands. How would they feel if it was their granny or grandad who contracted Covid and died?

Our NHS is already at breaking point and we haven’t yet seen the surge from Christmas mixing.

Everyone needs to knuckle down and follow the rules. Those who don’t should be punished.

R Blake, South London

Your front page on Saturday

made my blood boil. The virus variant is spreading rapidly across the country and people were warned not to mix over the festive season but, as usual, a handful of idiots ignored the rules.

Hospitals are already overwhelmed and we have yet to see the consequences of festive partygoers breaking the rules. We are now facing even tougher curbs thanks to these revellers. What will it take for them to see sense? David Mellor, Warrrington

I blame the internet for the maskless, brainless rabble outside London’s St Thomas’s hospital on New Year’s Eve claiming the Covid virus as a hoax. If only they could see themselves as others see them - idiots all with one thing in common - undiluted selfishness. Collin Rossini, Dovercourt, Essex

It is not more tiers we need but heavy fines and/or imprisonment for those caught breaking rules. When others see what can happen to them they will think twice before flouting restrictions themselves. them A Runnalls, Southampton