Sir, – I am very concerned about the mental health effects of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, especially on the housebound.
I have a personal interest in this issue, as I care for a relative that is struggling with social isolation. While I wholeheartedly agree that the latest measures were necessary and inevitable, there appears no light at the end of the tunnel for this particular group of people.
No day centres, no respite and most of all no visitors to ease the boredom of the day.
I have found these past few months difficult.
But I cannot fully appreciate how bad it would have been had I not been able to walk my dog, meet in a restaurant and do all of the other things we all take for granted.
If you think your situation is tough, please spare a thought for the population that really are in full lockdown, which continues for them after everyone returns to the new norm.
Jacqueline Hopkins.
Muirhead,
Angus.
Non-vaccine solution to crisis is required
Sir, – The basic principle behind all vaccines is to introduce the virus or bacteria into the body so that the immune system will produce antigens to protect that person.
That is the reason why lockdowns and face coverings are part of the problem and not part of the solution to the present spread of Covid.
Insufficient numbers have been exposed to the virus so not enough have built up immunity.
Far from criticising students the government should be praising them as they are helping to create a community shield against the virus.
Experience shows that in Sweden, where they had no lockdown or compulsory face masks, they have a large part of their population who have been exposed to small doses of the virus.
Consequently despite increased numbers of new cases with the virus in Sweden the most important factor is that they have mild symptoms and negligible cases requiring hospital treatment.
Most of their hospitals have no patients with Covid.
The new vaccines in development have about a 50% efficacy and, together with those in the population who will refuse a new vaccine because of worries of side effects, there is an immediate need for a non-vaccine solution as the country cannot lockdown for years.
Eric Gibbons.
Coldingham Place,
Dunfermline.
Changed minds but still no real debate
Sir, – We read a third of Scots who voted “No” to independence may have changed minds.
Am I to believe that my fellow Scots have been so taken in by those who put independence and destruction of the UK as a priority, that they really have changed their minds without real thought and discussion?
Nicola Sturgeon stated in 2016 that “nothing” is more important than independence.
On a daily basis I read separatists voice the same opinion – independence takes priority, they want it today.
So, even Covid, child poverty, homelessness, drug deaths – the largest in Europe – reduced life expectancy, the economy, NHS, and every other aspect of Scottish life is of lesser importance.
Be very aware of what you wish for.
Douglas Cowe.
Alexander Avenue,
Kingseat.
Hoping for a bumper skiing season ahead
Sir, – Two weeks into his comeback to The Courier and good old Jim Crumley has a go at skiing (Lifeline £20m railway pledge is just a slippery slope for Cairngorm ecology).
Entirely predictable.
When we have the conditions, the Scottish skiing industry provides employment (yes Jim, that’s economics) but also it is sometimes the only opportunity for people to experience winter in our great mountains in a safe environment.
With a reluctance to travel to the Alps and beyond, let’s hope for a bumper ski season when even more first timers can see our mountains at their natural best.
Frank Benzies.
Isla Mor,
Easter Bendochy,
Blairgowrie.
