Sharp debate wanted on two paths – suppression or living with the virus
sir – Two broadly different approaches to the Covid crisis can be discerned. 1: Suppress the spread of infection until there is an effective vaccine that can be sufficiently produced and distributed. 2: Learn to live with this endemic illness by protecting the vulnerable minority, while allowing the great majority, at low risk of serious illness, to get on with their family, social and economic lives.
Proper debate, essential to good policy, has been inhibited by fragmentary, often superficial media analysis and a Parliament where the Government and Opposition both, essentially, agree with the first approach.
Which broadcaster will set up the mature, considered, evidence-based debate to which the public is entitled? Ground rules would be needed, to exclude emotionalism, grandstanding and political point-scoring.
It must be given at least two hours and include economists and educationalists, as well as doctors and epidemiologists. The real issues must be clearly identified in advance, with a precisely worded “motion” and the obligation for the participants to give each other prior notice of where they agree and disagree (with reasons).
It should be moderated by someone with the authority to keep the participants courteously focused on the core disputed issues.
His Honour Charles Wide QC Glapthorn, Northamptonshire
sir – Fraser Nelson (“The public is ‘living without fear’. No 10 might want to do the same,” Comment, October 2) was spot on. From now on, we all need to do what we feel is right for ourselves, since government messages have been based on spurious data.
I kept my business open throughout the lockdown and sales covered overheads. From June to September sales recovered and have exceeded the same period in 2019.
I feel truly sorry for people struggling to keep their hospitality businesses afloat, in the face of ridiculous measures such as a 10pm closing time. The Government is plain wrong but cannot admit it. So ignore it and get on with life.
David T Price
Managing director, Oxfordshire Glass Banbury, Oxfordshire
sir – Many will share John Catchpole’s feelings (Letters, October 2) in missing a hug. Yesterday, as we left from a socially distanced family meeting, our five-year-old grandson blew me a kiss and said: “When the virus gets smaller, Grandma, we can have cuddles.”
Jill Hay
Colchester, Essex
sir – Can we look forward to the Government banning “trick or treat”? Jane Moth
Snettisham, Norfolk
sir – Yesterday, I spotted an elderly gentleman smoking a pipe and at the same time trying to wear a face mask. It just makes one proud to be British. David Belcher
Thatcham, Berkshire