LETTER: Don’t punish those who are not the ones congregating

It seems to me that we may be moving into a time when the spread of corona virus is starting to increase.

If this is true, it will be at least partly caused by people gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing after they've had a few beers. If the pictures we see in the newspapers are anything to go by, the people involved always appear to be in their 20's and 30's. One example happened recently in the town of Stone near Stafford and was widely reported.

I also see people in shops not wearing masks. The age group is almost always 20's and 30's again. This age group seem to contain a significant proportion who have no regard for sensible precautions. Perhaps they have not thought about it, or maybe they have thought about it and decided to take no notice.

I believe the government should undertake a widespread and regularly repeated advertising campaign on TV and/or other media to try and get the message home.

A bit like the "coughs and sneezes spread diseases" campaign that some readers may remember from years ago.

We have been told that the over 50's may be asked to self isolate. As far as I can see, the over 50's are not the ones responsible for the resurgence of the virus. Why should they suffer, whilst the 20's and 30's are allowed to carry on congregating in pubs and walking around shops without masks?

We have also been told that we may have to close the pubs in order that we can open the schools. Do we really have to close the pubs completely and spoil it for everybody, because of the actions of the few? Perhaps instead it would make a difference to limit licensing hours in the pubs, eg closing time 9 30 pm with last orders at 9pm.

Do stay safe, use common sense and keep well.

Derrick Foster, Rugeley

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