Lifting lockdown a fine mess

The situation we are now in where Covid-19 infections are rising rapidly after relaxation of many of the lockdown restrictions at one time, reminds me of a problem faced prior to the Battle of Britain 80 years ago.

We were desperately in need of more fighters, particularly Spitfires, but these had all metal bodies held together with flush headed rivets. When asked how they could speed up production, the manufacturers said it was much quicker to use all round headed rivets. Fortunately the present government was not in charge, so rather than authorising such a sweeping change, an ingenious scheme was devised to replace the rivets gradually and see what effect that had on performance. First, a Spitfire was flown over a timed distance to ascertain its maximum speed. Then semicircular split peas were glued to some of the flush rivets, where it was felt they would have least effect, and the flight repeated. This process was continued gradually over all the body until a noticeable drop in performance was noted. By this means it was found that in most places round headed rivets could be used, with flush ones only being required in a few critical areas.

If only the present government had eased us out of lockdown gradually, allowing time to see if infections went up each time, we would not be in the sorry mess we are now in, not knowing which of the changes is contributing most to the current rapid rise in infections!

I can’t help being reminded of the old Laurel and Hardy films, where when they had a good idea, it was invariably messed up by the hapless Laurel, leading to the famous remark from Hardy: “That’s another fine mess you got me into!”

Mike Armstrong

Queens Avenue, Canterbury

Hospital staff with sweet treats from a grateful patient