Is drastic action, such as isolating over-70s, the only way to beat this virus?

WE WRITE as people who are over 70 or have pre-existing medical conditions, meaning we may have a high risk of death if we contract Covid-19. We ask the Government to take serious precautionary action now against this pandemic. If it does not, it will significantly increase the likelihood that some of us will not live to see 2021. As medical journal the Lancet has made plain, the Government has already left it too long to take action. Without any further delay, stop all flights from virus hotspots around the world. Place those arriving by any route from virus hotspots into quarantine. Institute a social distancing policy, such as has been used effectively in South Korea. Compel large companies to ensure staff work from home. Give sick pay to those on zero hours contracts so people with the virus are not tempted to carry on working. Roll out mass coronavirus testing. If these reasonable actions are not taken, our NHS will be overwhelmed, as Italy’s health service has been.

Dr RuPERT READ, university of East Anglia, DR IAN GIBSON, former chair of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, and 24 others.

MY two younger grandchildren and I have Family Section Hibs season tickets for Easter Road and go to most games. On hearing of the proposals for the mandatory four-month self-isolation period for over-70s we were dismayed. I qualify — by a couple of years — and it would mean among other things that our regular trips to see Hibs play would be curtailed. My grandson suggested a solution. ‘You don’t look that old,’ he said, ‘I’ll make a sign you can hang over your shoulders saying: ‘I am not yet 70.’ I am still laughing.

Alexander Mckay, edinburgh.

AS A reasonably fit and active 71-yearold, I am appalled by discrimination against me by the Government. I may be old to some, but I know how to take sensible precautions. Who is going to arrest me as I go about my legitimate business? Are the police going to set up a task force to swoop on the elderly? I hardly think so.

Robert Rowe, glentham, lincs. I AM concerned about the restriction of this age group, especially if it lasts for four months. I personally feel I am fitter than many younger people, do a ‘fast’ walk daily and can run quite fast when required. It feels as if over-70s are being penalised due to age. It is scary to isolate for four months and be able to pass the time without boredom — not all ‘elderly’ sit watching TV every day. Some of us meet friends, do weekly shops, attend choirs and church weekly etc. Cleanliness in our daily lives should be the main issue, along with serious illnesses — not just age.

Jan Foster, larbert, stirlingshire.

IT SEEMS to me that the proposed selfisolation of people over the age of 70 has not been properly thought through. Those confined will not only lack exercise, but will in many cases over-indulge in food and alcohol out of sheer boredom. This will have the effect of fuelling obesity and diabetes. Many will emerge from their purdah in a considerably worse state of health than at present. Much weight can be gained and muscle tone lost in four months through inactivity. Lack of vitamin D from sunlight will also be a factor in promoting ill health. Also, let us remember that most accidents occur within the home. Who will notice if a vulnerable elderly neighbour or regular customer is not seen around and about for several days? Who will check to ensure that they have not suffered a fall and are unable to summon help?

Julia Pickles, cheltenham, glos.