Reopening schools

sir – Jonathan Sumption’s damning assessment of the Government’s actions in imposing the lockdown and its caution in lifting it, particularly with respect to schools, is difficult to accept (Commentary, June 13).

It was necessary to close schools, not to protect the children per se but to limit the spread of Covid-19. Though the young are not seriously affected by it, the extent to which they can transmit it is still not known.

Lord Sumption displays a lack of political nous if he thinks that, in the face of compelling – if at times conflicting – scientific advice, the lockdown was unnecessary. Chaos in the NHS and an avalanche of premature deaths among the elderly and vulnerable were distinct possibilities, and an unacceptable risk.

He also, I think, overstates the implications of a few months of disrupted education. My guess is that in a year’s time the effect will be hardly discernible. The economy will also recover because there is no underlying defect: things have simply slowed down and will spring back to life once social distancing can be lifted.

In the meantime, thousands are being infected daily and hundreds are dying too soon. Caution must be the watchword.

Michael Robinson

Onston, Cheshire

sir – In this day and age, do children need to be educated in a school building? With teachers online, they can receive instruction that way, and even take exams at home.

Stephen Carpenter

West Wickham, Kent