The Government can’t keep dodging the question of an exit strategy

sir – Government ministers insult our intelligence by refusing to discuss an end to the lockdown.

We read that NHS critical care facilities are coping and have spare capacity. Various European countries are announcing relaxations.

The economy and people’s livelihoods are being damaged. The country needs to see an exit strategy being developed. It would be quite reasonable to set out certain aims, such as reopening garden centres and schools, without giving exact times for these things.

Michael Staples

Seaford, East Sussex

sir – Jeremy Warner’s article (“Economy heading for hell in a handcart amid dithering on lockdown”, Comment, April 15) makes for sobering reading.

There needs to be a gradual end to this lockdown, while maintaining some social distancing and making use of face masks. The scientists will continue to advise, but the time has

sir – I am 75, live alone and, purely because of my date of birth, appear to be expected to self-isolate indefinitely.

I am aware that one’s immune system becomes less robust with age, but we are all individuals. Before the lockdown I swam 500 metres daily, took Pilates classes twice a week, had a personal training session once a week and was a member of a walking group. Apart from a slightly arthritic knee, I have no health problems, underlying or otherwise. Yet I will be expected to stay at home – until when? Until a vaccine is developed?

Jaqui Taugwalder-hill

Middle Barton, Oxfordshire

sir – All the government advisers have made clear that they cannot recommend when or how to end the lockdown until after the plateau – and until the data they are collecting tell them what worked and what didn’t. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, knows this, yet he is asking for the exit strategy to be laid out now. Straight out of the Opposition playbook: ask a question that you know can’t be answered so you can accuse the Government of not being open.

Didn’t take Sir Keir long to start playing politics, did it?

Vincent O’shea

Stamford, Lincolnshire

sir – It would do much for public confidence if the first phase of lockdown easing were to include the physical recall of Parliament.

As attendance at the Palace of Westminster is largely voluntary, no elderly or infirm member should feel compelled to attend. Whipping should be suspended for the duration.

It would also seem prudent to check the temperature of everyone who arrives on the estate. Politicians should lead by example.

Mick Andrews

Doncaster, South Yorkshire