Why won’t the Government let people make their own decisions?
SIR – Boris Johnson has decided against the further lifting of lockdown restrictions, on the grounds that “we cannot take the risk”. I take issue with the Prime Minister on two fronts.
First, we are thinking adults, capable of assessing risk and acting accordingly. If we can choose for ourselves whether to drive, smoke or make babies, we can choose whether to shake hands or wear masks.
Secondly, the Government’s Covid-19 risk assessment is incomprehensible. For the vast majority of the population, the risk of serious illness or death is very small. Hospitals are not going be overwhelmed: in fact, they currently lie empty. The chance of transmission is small unless people are together in an enclosed space for at least 15 minutes. The likelihood of a second wave is overstated, given that increases in infections are not now accompanied by increased hospital admissions or deaths.
Meanwhile, the risks of a continued lockdown to health, wealth and education are immense. Why does the Government persist in making every decision for us?
Iwan Price-Evans
Croydon, Surrey
SIR – As a healthy 71-year-old living in Wigan, I would like to know why my basic freedoms are once again being eroded for no valid reason in the regional lockdown.
Wigan, with a population of over 230,000, has an infection rate lower than the national average. Why should we be included?
This Government appears to be incapable of making logical and consistent decisions.
David Close
Wigan, Lancashire
SIR – Since early March, my wife and I, both in our eighties, have been following the guidelines laid down by the Government – and no, we do not find them in the least confusing.
We are, however, confused by the large crowds of people gathering on beaches and at pubs, making no attempt at social distancing. Street parties are springing up and people are complaining when their holidays are disrupted.
It seems to me that the older generation is being asked to keep quiet and keep out of the way for the indefinite future.
Mike Aston
Stourbridge, Worcestershire
SIR – It is hardly surprising that people are confused about the Government’s rules, particularly when our brains are being fried in the heat. Every day we are bombarded with statistics – which, as any statistician knows, can be interpreted in a variety of ways. So we hear different things from different news outlets.
I have my own interpretation of what I’m being told – and that is, essentially, to keep away from other people. If you are desperate to see others, keep it in the family.
Robert Bell
Brentford, Middlesex