Join the debate: Telegraph readers on lockdown exit strategy
Sir Patrick Vallance has warned that herd immunity will need at least 70 per cent of the population to be protected from Covid, which indicates that Britain could be facing a long, slow slog to sufficient protection from coronavirus and a subsequent easing of lockdown.
While ministers are working towards an Easter easing of measures, it had initially been suggested that restrictions would be reviewed in mid-February if the target of vaccinating all over-70s has been reached.
With no immediate end in sight for England's lockdown, it may be time to have a difficult conversation about what is an acceptable level of risk. Is there a case for an early release from restrictions? Telegraph readers have had their say.
Read on to see what your fellow readers had to say and then share your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of this article.
'Time to prioritise our economy and mental health'
@Jon Cole:
"It’s more a question of at what point can the NHS manage? This is part data driven and part subjective but over the next two to three weeks the vast majority of those at risk of death or serious illness will have been vaccinated and the NHS will see increasing bed capacity.
"Our mental and economic health must then be a priority for this Government: it would be grossly negligent for them not to pivot to the economy and physical and mental health as the key priorities - assuming there is no new strain for which the vaccines are ineffective.
"Boris needs courage now to break out of the SAGE controlled mindset."
'We only need the vulnerable vaccinated'
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@Nick Taylor:
"Once the over 70s and medically vulnerable are vaccinated all restrictions should end.
"Many people's mental health is being damaged as well as the damage to children's education and social and physical development."
'It cannot continue'
@Tilly of London:
"On the one hand, the economy cannot continue as it is with throwing cash left right and centre. This will have to be paid back and by taxpayers. Also, the amount of other medical treatments and illnesses that are not being addressed will be an issue as will the cities that are ghost towns with people working from home.
"On the other hand, the images of ICUs across the country are worrying, it cannot continue."
'Government must set a clear date'
@JSF Cash:
"It's almost now a shibboleth that we needed the lockdown to protect the NHS and save lives; however, the affects on mental health alone mean we should lift some restrictions sooner, without a shadow of a doubt.
"The majority now understands the dangers and risks and act accordingly. Allowing people to travel outside their local area to exercise with one friend would be a huge boost to many.
"Even villages are now like Piccadilly Circus anyway, as everyone is out walking, cycling and running. It is utterly barmy.
"The Government really must set a date, so not only business, but everyone, can plan their lives again. If the Government doesn't stick to that date no one will be surprised anyway, so what have they got to lose."
'We have to wait for the vaccine to succeed'
@Ian Mclaughlan:
"If we adhere social distancing more than before we should soon have the chance to get out again and people should stay apart until the vaccine has succeeded in preventing deaths."
'There has to be a balance'
@Christine Underwood:
"These restrictions are putting untold problems with mental health and this is an explosive situation. I'm not saying lift them all now but please consider the deaths from cancer and other postponed or cancelled operations
"There has to be a balance between quality of life and restrictions, we can’t sustain these lockdowns forever and as the article says live with the virus."
'Johnson might not survive this'
@Mark Jordan:
"Johnson will be forced into a decision by his backbenchers. If he dithers and delays beyond early March, then there are enough disaffected members to force a leadership challenge.
"I doubt whether Johnson would survive if the choice was him or Sunak."
'Some parts of the country will be ready to open up'
@Robert Young:
"In areas like ours in Gloucestershire COVID has never really got hold and rates are extremely low compared to rest of the country, however we suffered before in Tiers as were lumped with areas such as Bristol, when in reality our businesses could have been open.
"Our NHS and GPs have made a fantastic start to vaccination achieving much faster and higher numbers than some other areas, and a good number will be having their second jab before we reach the end of current lockdown protecting the most at risk groups.
"It is clear some local areas could open up much sooner than others across the country. We must maximise every moment to get the economy going, rebuild jobs and improve people's mental health.
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