Reckless scrapping of the Covid rules

RECKLESS, dangerous, unethical, unsafe, unscientific, illogical, a grave risk, gambling with people’s lives...

Strong opposition to Boris Johnson’s wholesale axing of Covid restrictions in England is growing in all quarters. Amongst the increasingly loud voices are the Labour leader Keir Starmer, who has condemned the scheme, our hard working hospital and family doctors, The British Medical Association, and mayors of our big cities like Manchester and Liverpool – who do not have the power of Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, to make the rules for their citizens.

Khan has decreed that mandatory mask wearing and other rules will continue on public transport and in crowded places in the capital.

Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford, as leaders of devolved nations, have the power to rule that masks and other precautions remain mandatory in Scotland and Wales.

The vast majority of the public do not share Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s enthusiasm for ditching his mask. He has no need to worry about the risks of using public transport, as he has a chauffeur-driven ministerial limousine to take him everywhere.

Many who have to use the train or bus to get to work have said it will not feel like ‘freedom’ but the return of ‘fear’. Masks and social distancing have given even vulnerable members of our society confidence to begin to enjoy their lives. It is a thoughtless, cruel plan which will result in many becoming afraid once again to leave their homes. The Prime Minister and his Government are ducking their responsibilities to pass the responsibility for wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in certain circumstances to the public.

It is a feeble plan, as it is obvious that there is a section of society who will not be too concerned about their fellow citizens. Sajid Javid, the new Health Secretary, has admitted Covid cases could rise to 100.000 in the summer, so the threats are real.

Boris Johnson’s dubious record in handling the pandemic has largely been to do ‘too little, too late’ resulting in lives being lost unnecessarily. This time he seems determined to do ‘too much, too soon’, which is equally risky for the health of the nation.

Jill Natusch Sidmouth, Devon