Just when we thought we’d turned a corner… Covid rushed back to bite us.
A few months ago First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced what she called an “elimination strategy” for dealing with coronavirus, as, after months of stringent lockdown, the numbers contracting the disease had been pushed right down.
Fast forward to this week and we entered a new phase – an alarming rise in cases and a partial return to aspects of lockdown, if not – yet – the full thing.
This was perhaps inevitable as schools and universities returned and the economy began to open up.
People gathering in houses have been blamed for the rise, and there has been a crackdown in visiting others’ homes.
Many have pointed to the re-opening of pubs and restaurants as a possible accelerant in cases. This concern was partly reflected by the fact that a UK-wide pub curfew of 10pm is now in force.
But does this go far enough? The licensed trade says its premises are Covid-secure. It points to the fact that it supports many jobs and incomes. But others say indoor venues such as pubs will inevitably be arenas for the spread of Covid – especially as the weather turns colder.
This is why we are asking – to beat Covid, should we close the pubs again?
Vote now and join in the debate by leaving a comment below.
Covid: is it time to close the pubs again?
- Yes
- 48
- No
- 30
