The time has come for Britain to get its economy moving again

SIR – Who are all these people who are scared to go back to work?

Last weekend I had to drive my neighbour to A&E. Over Kingston Bridge, and on the pavements approaching Bushey Park, there were so many people – family groups, walkers, runners and cyclists – that it looked like a Tube station platform during rush hour.

The message now needs to be: “Go out, get the economy moving again – but use some common sense.”

Alison Place

Hampton, Middlesex

SIR – The politicians’ phrase, “the new normal”, suggests that we have just one step ahead of us.

This is clearly nonsense. Our escape from lockdown will be a slow progression. “Initial transition” would be a more accurate phrase.

Simon Channon

Newark, Nottinghamshire

SIR – Half the country seems to think the lockdown has gone on too long, while the other half thinks it needs to go on a lot longer.

Boris Johnson, his Cabinet and their health advisers may as well just close their eyes and stick a pin in the calendar for the date to lift it. Whatever they choose, and whatever happens after, they will be vilified by some – including the self-appointed experts who always know best.

Paul Morley

Skipton, North Yorkshire

SIR – I am shocked that many over-70s appear to be happy to remain confined to their homes so that younger people can go to work free from the fear of infecting.

Should I and my elderly friends not be allowed to go for our daily swim, attend the gym, employ our young personal trainers, meet friends for lunch or go to our hairdressers, beauticians and chiropractors? Retired people are an important market.

On top of that, we sing in choirs, we volunteer in schools and we are the churchwardens who keep our churches clean and cared for. We volunteer as librarians and childminders. We should not be separated from society – unless we wish to be. It is our decision.

Jaqui Taugwalder-Hill

Middle Barton, Oxfordshire

SIR – I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and have been shielding for the past seven weeks.

I also have an interest in photography, particularly at sunrise. Before the pandemic I would regularly drive to a car park and walk, often for a round trip of four miles, to take photographs of the beautiful Jurassic Coast. This was good for my lungs, weight and overall health. I seldom saw anyone else.

I am looking forward to National Trust and village car parks reopening so that I can pursue my hobby and healthy lifestyle, while making my own risk assessments as to how safe these solitary activities are.

Clifford Baxter

Wareham, Dorset