The calculated risk of resuming work and the undoubted harm of not
sir – Some teachers have continued to draw their full salaries from public funds while refusing to provide even virtual lessons. They might reflect on the experience of others.
My occupational medical practice was deemed non-essential by the Scottish Government and is shut (with no income) until phase three of the “route map”. Accordingly I decided to work in the out-of-hours GP service. My risk of catching Covid-19 is higher than if I were sitting at home, but the work provides me with income and the community with care.
The risk of catching Covid-19 from a child is vanishingly small, especially when reasonable risk mitigation is applied, yet teachers appear not to care what impact their sloth has on children left uneducated and on their parents, who are needed to restart the economy.
Dr Andy Ashworth
Bo’ness, West Lothian
sir – You report (June 2) that studies for the World Health Organisation conclude that there is a 3 per cent risk of Covid contagion at one metre, but the risk roughly halves at two metres.
I suggest that most people – given the option of a 97 per cent lack of risk of contagion by staying one metre apart, as against a 98.5 per cent lack of risk by staying two metres apart – would willing opt for one metre in order to let the country return to a more normal way of life and have a better chance of reviving our economy.
As an 80-year-old with children and grandchildren, I know which I would prefer, if only for their future’s sake.
Trevor Burrage
Oxted, Surrey
sir – The government of Northern Ireland is reopening hotel and tourist accommodation on July 20, in line with the Irish Republic. Why is there no sign of when we may find a room at an inn here in Great Britain?
Patrick Tracey
Carlisle, Cumbria
sir – We are approaching the longest day and shortest night, and as it is now illegal to stay overnight away from home without reasonable excuse, it would be helpful if the Government could provide guidance on the time at which night begins and ends.
Derek Morton
Woodford, Cheshire
sir – My daughter works in Stockholm and would like to come home to visit her family. British rules state that when she arrives she must quarantine for 14 days. However, the only return flight listed at present is seven days after her arrival.
Will she be turned away at the border as she cannot fulfil the 14-day rule? Information on the government website is unclear. Does anyone know?
Anne Nash
Bagshot, Surrey
sir – If the Government does not end this lockdown, the lockdown will end this Government.
Mark Macauley
Warminster, Wiltshire