Complacency puts us all in danger of a second pandemic – Yorkshire Post Letters

From: Dr Brian McGregor, BMA Yorkshire Chair.
There remain concerns about the adequacy of testing arrangements for Covid-19.There remain concerns about the adequacy of testing arrangements for Covid-19.
There remain concerns about the adequacy of testing arrangements for Covid-19.

AS the lockdown across Yorkshire eases, we cannot forget the infection rate in communities across the UK remains worryingly high.

The risk surrounding this highly infectious illness remains significant – and if there is further spread, thousands more families could lose loved ones before their time.

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In a recent BMA survey, doctors in Yorkshire revealed fears around a second peak of Covid-19 that has the potential to overwhelm the health service. Some 51 per cent of doctors in the region expressed they were not confident in their ability to manage a second influx of Covid-19 cases.

Doctors are increasingly worried about a potential second spike in Covid-19 cases.Doctors are increasingly worried about a potential second spike in Covid-19 cases.
Doctors are increasingly worried about a potential second spike in Covid-19 cases.

We understand the lockdown in itself has had an impact on health and wellbeing, but it remains vital that easing it must be done gradually and sensibly.

The Government must take every measure possible to support the public and employers in stopping the spread of the virus, whether that’s in outdoor places, reuniting with friends and loved ones or returning to work.

To prevent a second peak and avoid more loss of life in Yorkshire, the BMA is calling on the Government to establish a wide-scale, accurate and systematic approach to test and trace and support the public in adhering to social distancing and infection-control measures as restrictions are relaxed.

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Front-line staff have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to care for patients and save as many people as possible, often putting this before their own safety, wellbeing and health.

To risk a second pandemic as a result of complacency could serve to undermine the incredible efforts they have already gone to.

From: Christine Hyde, Dewsbury.

AVOIDING the virus is not as easily achieved when faced by arrogance and bullying in the street.

It is not merely youths with cans who can force someone to retrace their steps completely down a two-metre wide cutting to avoid passing too closely, or risk being run over by having to step into the road, but 
well-heeled, middle-class, expensively dressed dog walkers marching side by side.

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It is undoubtedly the duty of all people with shielding needs to stay alive. Stay at home, for each other, to stop the virus. And only walk when it’s quiet on the street.

If there’s chest pain or numbness or other worrying symptoms, call the ambulance or GP. Stay safe.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

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And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

Postal subscription copies can be ordered by calling 0330 4030066 or by emailing [email protected]. Vouchers, to be exchanged at retail sales outlets - our newsagents need you, too - can be subscribed to by contacting subscriptions on 0330 1235950 or by visiting www.localsubsplus.co.uk where you should select The Yorkshire Post from the list of titles available.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor

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