They think it’s all over

Covid-19 has repeatedly been described as an ‘unprecedented’ pandemic.

Many versions of what, when, how, actions taken or not taken, reporting, integrity of data and ‘science’ to mention but a few, have been debated long and hard. Arguments and counter arguments go back and forth on a daily basis. In some cases, responses seem to have been on a ‘make it up as it goes along’ basis.

As a nation we know more about Covid-19 now, and continue to learn, but we all are all still seeking to better understand. The one unquestionable and undeniable truth is that Covid-19 is the enemy - able and willing to kill indiscriminately.

Choices have been made (by a select few):

to transfer elderly people from hospitals to care homes without testing

to ignore social distancing and isolation rules and guidance

to manipulate ‘Covid-19 rules’ for selfish reasons including protecting personal wealth

to prioritise the economy over health science

to hold back or hide ‘true’ data for reasons not yet fully explained

and of course, to visit places other than Opticians to check one’s eye sight. All deliberate choices.

Others (the great majority) have behaved with self-control, patience, respect for distancing, bravery and real heroism, by following the rules and guidelines, putting others and the community before themselves.

Again, deliberate choices.

Some of these choices have cost lives and that matters. Covid-19 is indiscriminate.

The time is coming, where there will be another set of difficult choices. Important choices, that will impact many lives and do we think it’s all over?

It isn’t yet and may not be for some time.

It is time for us as individuals, local communities and as a nation to choose again. We need to choose wisely. Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor on Wokingham Borough Council, Shinfield South