OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from David Moorse, Shanklin. Ed
The government’s Covid19 pandemic strategy appears to be to allow as much infection as possible, presumably in the hope of developing herd immunity in the long run.
However, in the exponential growth phase, it is imperative that those who are most at risk are protected.
Provision for self isolated
Therefore everyone who has a potentially compromised immune response should be isolated, which means that although schools are open, students who are at risk must be given authorised absence, and not remain under the threat of fines (which our council appears to be addicted to), and any adults who are similarly at risk (and there a high proportion of elderly on the Isle of Wight) must have provision in place for them to isolate for their protection.
Avoid spreading to those at risk
The rest of us healthy, fit and relatively young could then crack on and catch the virus to gain (and spread) immunity so long as we can ensure we avoid spreading it to those at risk.
As it stands, the vulnerable are not adequately protected – this ought to be the first priority of all our public services.
Government Covid-19 guidance: Stay alert and stay safe
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (video tips).
Social distancing
It is recommended that you maintain at least a two metre gap (about 6.5ft) from people who are not from your household.
Seeking advice
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service that can tell if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
Image: Claudio Schwarz purzlbaum under CC BY 2.0
