Irresponsible to let virus run free

I DO not believe that I am the one out of step over face masks.

In short, the NHS along with organisations and governments around the world promote their use.

Neil Stafford (“My real criticism of mass mask wearing” Opinion 30th December) takes further issue with my cautious approach. We have each given our views and other than the following observations I intend not to engage further with Neil on pandemic matters.

At least he recognises that where two people are in close proximity for a reasonable length of time (vaccine centres and hairdressing being given as examples) there is an “opportunity for transmission”.

Yet apparently, he sees no need for masks in shops or on public transport where he says the benefits are “far more doubtful”.

I for one would not feel at ease if a maskless person (of which there are still many even in situations where they are law again) was breathing down my neck in a crowded supermarket or on a Nottingham tram.

Not forgetting that masks help protect against winter flu as well.

Some measures do have an impact on the economy - but I fail to see how wearing a humble face mask can.

I never suggested that we should wear face masks indefinitely. Hopefully the vaccines will work and we will get back to normal, even a new kind of normal, in the near future.

Call me old fashioned but until that happens shouldn’t we all have a civic duty to help protect the NHS and each other in every way possible?

Letting the virus (all variants) run free, just so that some can enjoy themselves again, seems nasty and irresponsible and, not least, goes against the first duty of Government which is the defence of the realm and safety of the people.

Mark Iles Newark