We owe it to those on the frontline to do our bit and obey the lockdown rules

THE country is now a little over a week into the Coronavirus lock- down and, mercifully, the majority of the public seem to be following the Government’s advice and people are doing their bit to help in the fight against the killer virus. There have, sadly, been some exceptions but a blitz spirit and a renewed sense of community have seen communities across the country rallying to the cause to support each other in the face of the historic crisis.

Across the length and breadth of the country we are hearing and seeing stories that warm the heart and provide inspiration to us all as we come to terms with the once in a century situation we have found ourselves in.

To draw parallels with the sacrifices made by people during the fight for independence or the world wars is facile and does the bravery and selflessness of those brave men, women and children a tremendous disservice.

Though not a nation at war, we are in a country and society that is united in a way it hasn’t been in generations.

We have also seen a renewed sense of leadership from our political classes who appear to have set aside their differences to better serve the public good.

It is a most welcome development and one we can only hope continues when the current crisis has passed and our leaders return to dealing with issues such as housing that have plagued our country in recent years.

One section of society that is very much at war are the incredible people who work in our health service and in the emergency services in general.

Day after day – as the rest of us take shelter in our homes – they are putting their health and their lives on the line to stop COVID-19’s deadly spread and to care for those unfortunates already struck down by the virus.

Every single one of us owe it to these heroic men and women to obey the terms of the lock-down and to do what little is being asked of us to help them in their fight.

While those who ventured out in large numbers for walks on beaches and hills over the weekend doubtless meant no harm, that sort of behaviour has to be curtailed.

We have one chance to stop this virus and we cannot afford to take unnecessary risks. If staying indoors or avoiding all large groups and busy areas saves even one life, it is worth it.

In the greater historical context what is being asked of us is very little and we owe it to our older and vulnerable friends and loved ones to keep them safe.

Most of us, thankfully, are doing just that but, unfortunately, some selfish souls are doing just the opposite. Stories of some pubs remaining open in the spite of the lock-down leave a disgusting taste in the mouth and are an insult to those giving their all in the COVID-19 fight.

The people running and filling those bars should be ashamed of themselves and let us hope they are shut down soon. One gets the feeling they won’t be too popular when the crisis is over.