Should lockdown only be lifted when coronavirus is 'fully under control'? This is what Gazette reader said

The large majority of Gazette readers think coronavirus should be ‘fully under control’ before the economy and businesses reopen.
Should businesses and the economy only reopen when the coronavirus is fully under control?Should businesses and the economy only reopen when the coronavirus is fully under control?
Should businesses and the economy only reopen when the coronavirus is fully under control?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK into lockdown for three weeks on Monday, March 23, in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.

It was then extended for a further three weeks as the Government takes steps to try and prevent a second peak.

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Now more than 26,000 people have died in the UK after testing positive for Covid-19.

Research has suggested that Britons are ‘the most cautious’ when it comes to reopening the economy following the outbreak.

We asked Northumberland Gazette readers: “Do you think coronavirus should be ‘fully under control’ before the economy and businesses reopen?”

Out of almost 1,000 people who responded, 85% agreed that the economy and businesses should not reopen until the coronavirus is fully under control.

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Many have also questioned how the British economy and businesses will cope.

Here’s what readers said:

Sam Marsland: “If we don’t get control of the problem all we have gone through will have been for nothing.”

Lola Rossi: “It should be but the country will go bankrupt having to pay peoples’ wages before you get this under control, its gone too far to get it back.”

Gary Thompson: “It should have been a Marshall law lockdown from day one. It would all be over now.”

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Donna Atkinson: “I am undecided. Do we stay shut until we have a vaccine or do we open carefully but people must wash their hands and if you have symptoms stay home. Hard to judge because some people won’t listen.”

Julie Evans: “Unfortunately I don't think our economy could survive lockdown until a vaccination is found and for that reason I say no. The elderly and anyone with health problems should be protected though and unfortunately should stay away from others until they can get a vaccination. By opening up eventually the healthy can get it building herd immunity in the meantime until a vaccination is found.”

Doris Cleghorn: “Open it up man. Project Fear.”

Janet Welsh: “If everyone does as they [are] supposed to do and STAY AT HOME we will get it under control and get back quicker.”

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