Endless lockdown

SIR – What is going on?

On June 23 last year the average number of daily Covid-19 deaths in the previous week was 59, with 353 hospital admissions. On that day the Government announced that restrictions on our freedoms would be eased on July 4.

This year the average number of daily Covid-19 deaths in the first week of June was seven, with 144 hospital admissions.

In contrast to last year, those at high risk have been vaccinated. Yet at the beginning of the week, the Government announced its intention to continue restricting our freedom for at least another five weeks.

Where is the logic? Will restrictions ever end? This disease is endemic. We should stop testing asymptomatic people, accept that “zero Covid” is not achievable and get on with our lives.

Dr Geoffrey Maidment

Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire

SIR – The Government will surely have carried out a cost-benefit analysis of extending the Covid restrictions.

When may we expect it to be published?

Professor John Keown

Kennedy Institute of Ethics Georgetown University Washington DC, United States

SIR – I work for a local charity that helps families with children who have life-threatening illnesses.

On July 7 we were due to have a party to celebrate 10 years of our respite house in Basingstoke. This has had to be cancelled due to the continuing restrictions.

At the end of July we hold “Christmas in July”, a grand party for families whose kids might not make it to Christmas. This will be held on Ascot racecourse with around 500 attending – families and children. It is now under threat. An enormous amount of effort goes into planning it. Costs are involved. We need to get our freedom back so that events such as ours can go ahead.

Duncan Rayner

Sunningdale, Berkshire