Lockdown lead must be taken by scientists

Sir, – The present rise of new Covid cases was forewarned by those scientists who at the outbreak of the virus argued against a general lockdown in favour of more specific measures.

By the time lockdown was introduced in the UK we had already passed peak infections.

Our politicians panicked on seeing the pictures from Italy where their health service in the north was overwhelmed.

Two months ago French scientists estimated that because of lockdown only 5% of the French population had been exposed to the virus.

The UK figure was 7%, mainly due to London.

Now that lockdown measures are being eased the virus is spreading again.

But most importantly this is not being reflected in increased hospital cases, and medical advances having greatly reduced the likelihood of death.

In fact more people died last month from flu and pneumonia (both preventable by vaccines) than from Covid.

The figures for those with the virus are estimates and, to an extent, that is also true of deaths as many have died from other causes but with Covid present.

The only true figure is patients being treated for Covid in hospital.

In Sweden where there was no lockdown and no use of face coverings they have only 30 cases in hospital.

Similarly Denmark lifted its lockdown early and they do not have compulsory face coverings and their hospital cases of Covid-19 stand at one.

Interestingly Sweden, Denmark and Germany who have had the best outcome have all had their Covid response led by scientists rather than politicians.

Perhaps we have something to learn.

Eric Gibbons. Coldingham Place, Dunfermline.