It’s time to put the Army on the streets
OLDER people are doing the right thing; hand washing, wearing masks in supermarkets; staying in as much as possible; whilst recent raves took place in the Trafford area (2,000 people) and in Daisy Nook (4,000 people) all squished together and now we ask ourselves why Greater Manchester has to suffer restrictions and an increased infection rate.
Massive house parties are still taking place as I write this.
The police are out-numbered and under-resourced.
It’s now time to get the Army on the streets. Until we stop these selfish, brainless idiots from propagating this virus, we will never see an end to it.
What is the matter with these people? We need solidarity, all together to beat this horrible plague.
It’s so unfair that older people are doing their best to minimise the dangers, yet some (not all) idiotic younger people think it’s great to just carry on as normal, like nothing is happening.
We need the Army to help the overstretched police now. Let’s pull together to stop this potential apocalypse.
Alan Entwistle, Manchester
Rules don’t make sense
SINCE the start of lockdown my husband and I – a couple in our 70s – have followed all the rules and recommendations aiming at controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
I would be grateful if anyone could explain to me the logic in the current regulations covering Greater Manchester.
I may frequent pubs, hotels, restaurants, parks and other beauty spots. I can enter any shop and travel on any firm of public transport, mixing with perfect strangers, but I can’t sit in my daughter’s large garden.
If my daughter was a high earner who could afford a nanny and a cleaner, they could legitimately spend time in her house, take care of the children and help with the housework, but I can’t.
Driving home from watching one of our grandsons playing cricket on Wednesday evening, the number of pubs and restaurants in Bramhall, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme and Didsbury that had huge gatherings of people outside, with no social distancing evident.
It seems to me the wrong activities and population groups are being targeted. Needless restrictions are affecting people who pose little threat.
We will never get on top of this virus while there are so many inconsistencies in the regulations and individuals take no personal responsibility.
L Parkin, via email
‘Spies’ are a mystery
IT was confusing enough to be told a week last Thursday, July 30, that Greater Manchester was to be in lockdown from midnight, but I was amazed to find out that lockdown was only legally binding from Wednesday, August 5!
A number of people changed plans to meet friends and family because they were trying to stay within the new rules. We are all going through difficult times and this confusing advice has only added further uncertainty and anxiety.
I was also amazed to see the M.E.N. front page, re ‘virus spies’ and ‘stores being checked,’ etc.
I fully understand and support the terrible pressures that the authorities are under and that the behaviour of a significant few of the badly behaved is to be deplored.
However, is it really necessary to refer to ‘mystery shoppers’ and ‘Enforcement of home visits,’ just creating more unease?
There are many millions in decent communities who have worked hard to ensure that they abide by the rules and help others. We’re not all bad you know!
BA Dixon, Stockport
Keep to the FACTS!
WHEN it comes to dealing with the coronavirus on an individual basis we need to stick to the FACTS.
F: Face coverings when using public transport and when shopping.
A: Avoid crowded places where possible.
C: Clean your hands frequently and well.
T: The two-meter rule. Always try to keep at least two meters from others.
S: Shelter and safety. If you think you have been infected with the virus then stay at home for your health and others’ health.
2020 will be a year that we will remember for decades to come and if we all play our part we will all be here in future decades together. Ged Jarvis, Gorton
Why can’t I help NHS?
I DO not condone fly-tipping in any shape or form but after my day today I can understand why it’s done.
My husband came out of hospital with two walking frames, unfortunately he has since passed away and I wanted to return them to the hospital but they wouldn’t take them.
I tried charity shops, they said no. I tried the doctor’s surgery for older patients, again no.
I did find a local shop that does take used equipment but she asked me if the walkers had a blue sticker on them – when I said no she said we can’t take them, they are not ours. I ask you what difference does a sticker make? In this day and age when the NHS needs all it can get in the way of equipment. It beggars belief that I am having so much trouble in disposing of them.
Mrs S Woodrow, Whitefield