Time to consider planned lockdown

Why are our governments not trying to get ahead of the second wave by scheduling a planned lockdown?

If they planned a lockdown from Nov. 9 until Dec. 21, and made that announcement a month in advance, the following could occur:

During the lockdown, virus numbers would presumably drop considerably, beating back the second wave, and allowing a loosening of restrictions around Christmas gatherings.

By announcing far enough ahead of time, people would be able to prepare — early Christmas shopping, final haircuts, and so on.

This early shopping would give business owners a boost going into a shutdown.

Schools would be closed until Jan. 4, providing a break to exhausted teachers and allowing the virus to ebb from schools.

A gradual reopening beginning on Dec. 21 would allow for last-minute shopping, for example, and set the stage for a full return to today's orange status on Jan. 4 if need be.

How about it, Premier François Legault?

Mark Levell, St-lazare