WalesOnline readers have reacted to the latest warning from Wales' top doctor that future lockdowns to curb the spread of coronavirus cannot be ruled out. Speaking to BBC Wales' Walescast, Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton said he hoped lockdowns were a thing of the past but added that "we never know what's round the corner".
Dr Atherton said he believed the Welsh population would be willing to make "sacrifices" for another Covid lockdown if needed and said the possibility of future measures would need to remain "open". Asked if he thought that coronavirus lockdowns were now a thing of the past, he added: "You can never guarantee anything in public health or in public life, but I would absolutely hope so."
Almost all of Wales' Covid regulations have now been scrapped, with only rules requiring people to wear masks in health and social care remaining. However, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that Wales has the highest rate of Covid of any UK nation, with one in 13 still estimated to have the virus in the week ending April 9. You can get more health news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Commenting on WalesOnline's Facebook page hundreds of people have reacted to the news, with responses ranging from agreement to frustration. We have put together some of the statements that best reflect the mood of our commenters.
A number of readers warned against future lockdowns, saying that they would be "devastating" for society and the economy. Yola Wilson said: "Something that has been proven to have done so much damage and made things a thousand times worse, never stopped infection, caused a lot of misery and resulting in extreme bad health due to the stress, no medical treatments, fear, lonely deaths, causing businesses to close. Not even half way to getting a point for Lockdowns! She added: "If this is the quality of a top doctor then there really is something very seriously wrong with the health system."
Lisa Street agreed, writing: "Lockdowns are inhumane and cruel. They must never happen again," while Svitlana Cruttenden added "No more lockdowns , we can not possibly afford it with our economy being on its knees and such massive price hikes . Get over Covid."
Many of those who chose to comment said that the government lacked legitimacy to enforce another lockdown on the public in the wake of revelations about Christmas parties at Number 10, for which Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have now been fined. You can read more about that here.
"He must know he was talking to a brick wall when he made that statement," said Karen Day. "There’s no way they’ll get a nation to lockdown again when the people who made the lockdown law BROKE that law and are still able to make laws for the country." Lewis Griffiths added: "What a nutter! Who's going to keep paying for them? People can't cope with the cost of living now, there's no chance people won't do it again that's for sure."
Nathan Woodhouse wrote: "This guy is delusional thinking the Welsh public would accept another lockdown!!!! I can tell you 100% I won't be following any lockdown rules and neither would any of the people I know!". Julie Verallo added: "Let me know when Boris and co. stay in like the rest of us did the first and second time, I might listen to you then," while Cerys Dutton asked simply: "Is anyone going to listen after Partygate?"
However, some WalesOnline readers believe that future lockdowns are not necessarily a bad idea. Samantha Bennett wrote: "It is what it is, most of my family have had Covid and it knocked them sideways. The cases are rising too quickly, think about it. People aren't taking any notice regarding mask, social distancing etc. I've worn a mask and listened to the rules they all made and I'll continue until I feel safe enough.
Expressing caution, Des Lloyd said: "Nobody can predict the future," while Jemma Frost said that the number of people dying with Covid in the UK is "shooting back up again". Meanwhile, Heather Childs said: "Bring it on. I blimmen love lockdown. Empty roads and beaches, it's awesome."
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