Folly of confining the over-70s for much longer

sir – Has it yet occurred to politicians that continuing lockdown for those aged over 70 when current restrictions begin to be lifted (Commentary, April 28) would be totally counterproductive as the Government endeavours to revive the economy?

People from this age group make up many of the customers for small businesses, beauty salons, garden centres, cafés and restaurants that may gradually be allowed to reopen (some of these places are even managed by someone over 70).

If this group were to remain in lockdown, where would a large proportion of the congregations in churches or other places of worship be once doors reopen? Indeed, where would some of their ministers and leaders be? Where would the grandparent childminders be, once parents return to work?

The answer to these questions is, of course, stuck at home – rendering proposed measures to lift the lockdown virtually useless.

Dr Ruth Grayson

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

sir – It was kind to lock up the over-70s to keep us safe but, should

it continue, those of us who are well at the moment will gradually be in trouble.

We have lost our dentistry, our chiropody, our eye tests and many other check-ups that kept us wonderfully fit. Please let us out in a controlled manner before we become burdens to the NHS after all.

Felicity Pinder

Fovant, Wiltshire

sir – Figures show that 95 per cent of those for whom Covid-19 has proved fatal were suffering from other serious health problems, such as heart or lung disease. Over a third of the total number of deaths have occurred among the elderly in care homes.

It’s not a matter of victimising people, but of hard facts. Elderly people usually have other health problems that put them more at risk, and it makes sense for them to continue with minimal contact.

Younger people generally do not have as many pre-existing health conditions, and therefore pose less of a risk to themselves, to others and to the NHS and its amazing workers.

Kate Graeme-cook

Brixham, Devon