Britain’s economy can’t cope with this endless stopping and starting

SIR – Our Government’s confused and illogical policies risk killing more people than they might save from Covid-19. Unemployment and bankruptcy are about to become a harsh reality for thousands.

We must urgently unlock the economy, accepting the need to live with the virus while ameliorating its effects as best we can.

The current policies are driven by panic and an over-reliance on the narrow advice of medical experts. Intermittent lockdowns will make little difference to the trajectory of the virus but cause terrible collateral damage.

The Government should provide warnings and guidance, rather than introducing more petty and unenforceable rules.

The rumblings of dissent in the North will soon spread nationwide. Many people will not calmly accept the destitution caused by the decisions of our inept ministers.

Michael Gardner

Gillingham, Dorset

SIR – The Labour politicians I have seen on television recently are guilty of trying to have their cake and eat it. While condemning the Government for locking down cities in the North, claiming that it causes economic harm, they are also calling for a nationwide “circuit breaker” lockdown.

The Prime Minister is treading a careful path, avoiding economic damage where possible and locking down only when absolutely necessary. Sir Keir Starmer would do well to support the Prime Minister, instead of trying to score cheap party-political points.

David Kidd

Petersfield, Hampshire

SIR – There are many businesses around Britain that are operating very effectively. Their stories are not being told.

A blanket shut-down would close perfectly good ones and cause entirely unnecessary damage to the economy. Attention should be focused on sectors where Covid-19 is not under control, leaving well-managed organisations to thrive.

Robin Dawson

Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire

SIR – I recently visited two restaurants. I sanitised my hands at the entrance and waited to be called to a table, two metres away from the others. I was in contact with staff only when I was shown to my seat, had my order taken, received my meal and paid (by contactless card). Once I had left the table and chairs were cleaned.

Why aren’t restaurants being supported?

Bernard Powell

Southport, Lancashire

SIR – On my phone I receive constant requests to download the NHS Covid-19 app, to tell me if my area is low, medium or high risk. Yet the three tiers are medium, high or very high.

And the Government wonders why its messages are not taken seriously. Robin Humphreys

Exmouth, Devon