A longer lockdown

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that it is “very likely” that lockdown would be extended for more weeks. Good idea?

Yes, 100%; we have got this far, a few more weeks will help the NHS. It’s been a nightmare for the poor families that have lost a loved one, let’s not lose sight of how horrible this virus is and the lives it has taken too early. We have to do what it takes to get this under control. Stay safe, please stay home.

Libera Alongi Yes. We need to get past the two bank holiday weekends before we ease the restrictions, so people are not tempted to do too much. Restrictions need to be lifted very gradually, without any temptations and minimum risk.

Blair Dinwoodie Nope. I think we should follow Westminster’s plan when it is published on Sunday and take all necessary precautions to end the lockdown in phases.

Ale Ayala

No. The lockdown should only be extended if we haven’t yet met the five conditions set out by the government. Cases are falling throughout Europe. Debt is rising massively. We need to make an informed decision based on these criteria and go back to work when they are met.

Caroline Currie

The whole point of the lockdown was so that the NHS didn’t get overwhelmed. It didn’t. Let us out!

Norman Rowan

Lockdown should be kept until we see a considerable decrease in number, and only ease it when we have a model to compare to. And when it is done there will have to be a slight change or we will be in this situation until we get a vaccine and it’s administered to all in the UK, or a spike could easily happen again.

Kirsty Falconer

Yes definitely, there were over 12,000 confirmed with the virus today. If lockdown is not continued the R rate will go back up and the result will be a lot more deaths. Too many places opening up. Do we really need coffee shops, burger vans, Mcdonald’s etc open. They are not essential. The outcome is, if you want to stay alive, stay in.

Charlie Fraser

We need to see a plan to give us motivation. People are bored and fed up now, hence roads are busy again.

Julie Mcdonald

Yes, the lockdown should be extended and probably enforced more. But those folks who think they might have had the virus should have their antibodies tested so they can start to live seminormal lives, out to work, look after relatives, volunteer etc.

Kirsty Welsh

Yes. We have come this far, let’s make it safer for all of us, not only the vulnerable. Get fewer people dying, get more stocks of gels, soaps, masks etc for public, then ease. If we all have access to these then the NHS will get a breather.

Lily Mcgregor

Definitely yes. We have seen how there can be a second peak. It isn’t much fun in lockdown, but better being indoors than in a coffin.

Liz Crosbie

Yes, lockdown should be extended. We are nowhere near the virus dissipating enough to go back to socialising again. There are too many people currently not following the lockdown, so take lockdown away and those people will flaunt breach of the guidance more – spreading the virus further.

Laura Eve Yes, without a doubt. But there needs to be a lot more thinking about how to adapt working and social life permanently to mitigate further peaks. I think a lot of things are no longer viable or safe. What will we be able to keep and what do we need to cull?

Keely Flint Definitely needs to be extended. We’ve had a relaxed lockdown, resulting in some people becoming complacent.

Joanne Allan Lockdown should be lifted but not fully. We need to protect those who are vulnerable, social distancing should be adhered to in public places and hand washing etc should be continued when entering other homes. I am very worried for our economy and a lot of smaller businesses will just not survive. The NHS will have an influx of mental health issues very soon, even more than they already deal with.

Jacqueline Rintoul

Yes definitely. We have never been in a proper lockdown. Spaniards, for example, have only just been allowed out to exercise. People are behaving as if lockdown is lifted at the moment. Can you imagine when it does, it will be like the floodgates opening?

Barbara Shearer

We have never been in lockdown... so many people doing and able to do as they please! That is not lockdown! Makes a mockery of all these poor folk who have lost their lives.

Pamela Cormack