Editor

F C Oliver of Fairbourne (Cambrian News Letters, north edition, 11 June) suspects Covid-19 is just a hoax, the same ‘flu’ as previous years, ‘scientists’ can be blamed for it and fined compensation, and there was never ‘shutdown’ in the past, and that we should return to normal activities without precautions.

I am afraid all of this is wrong.

It is a coronavirus, not either an influenza virus nor a parainfluenza virus, although it may have caused epidemics in the past before we were able to tell the difference between these viruses, and it is a strain which has not been around for a good few years.

Economic recessions are bad, but not as bad as the health toll caused by this epidemic.

I am glad F C Oliver has not lost family to this ‘hoax’, but many Britons can vouch for its severity and death toll in their families and friends. You do not have to believe the TV (I don’t anyway), just ask those you do trust.

In World War one and Two, there were significant travel restrictions, shut-down of manufacturing and shift to making different things, shortages, closures of public facilities and schools (many were bombed!), conscription, and privations, many lasting for six to 10 years after 1945.

In previous epidemics, going back even to the plague in 14th century, local government enforced ‘lockdowns’ on towns to prevent spread. It was considered the humane and moral thing to do.

Nowadays, it is no longer illegal to kill oneself, but it is still morally unacceptable to go about without precautions spreading a contagion that can maim and kill.

Please continue ‘shielding’ until we have won!

Covid kills, crush covid, eliminate the virus, prevent endless unnecessary deaths. Keep safe.

Dr David Church

Tywyn