Gazette readers think stricter coronavirus restrictions should continue for 'extremely vulnerable' - this is what you said

As the UK heads into the seventh week of lockdown due to the coronavirus, talk of how restrictions could be lifted in the future is increasing. But should stricter regulations continue for those classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’ to the virus?

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

That’s the question we put to Gazette readers on Facebook this week, with more than 1,000 people casting their votes in our poll.

A total of 72% voted that more restrictions should remain in place for those classed as extremely vulnerable by the NHS and Government; particularly those in the over-70s category.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is expected that the Government will reveal plans of how lockdown will be lifted later this week.

Lockdown measures have been in place since March 24.Lockdown measures have been in place since March 24.
Lockdown measures have been in place since March 24.

This is what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

June Moon: “I will not be going out until I know I will be safe, I enjoy being alive, and my daughter wouldn't let me any way bless her.”

Valerie Prudham: “I'm not over 70 but am classed as extremely vulnerable due to a chronic lung disease. I certainly won't be coming out of isolation while the death rate is still high.”

Sarah Jayne Hunt: “I am 43 and classed as extremely vulnerable. If I am told to stay home it would be too risky to send my kids back to school never mind who is gonna take them if I need to stay home!”

Read More
Follow live updates on the coronavirus crisis with our daily blog
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Claire Davison: “Yes. I'd hope shopping slots and help for the elderly and vulnerable will still continue.”

Craig Seago: “It’s the younger generation that need to be lockedown longer as they seem to be the ones going around in groups, playing football acting like it’s a normal time with no pandemic.”

Christine Hansson: “I think slow and steady is the key, keep restrictions to all but maybe relax the group gathering to five or six if it hasn't already been and maybe lift the household to household but still limit the numbers to one or two visitors per household.”

Diane Ford: “Over 70s and clinically vulnerable people are not stupid! Provide good information and let people live their lives making their own decisions!”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.