Why do we not go further to minimise the chance of infection?
WE are now being urged to use a face mask when meeting people in public places in order to minimise the chance of Covid infection. I very much support the move. My only response is to ask why we are not going further. We should surely encourage people to wear medical-style gloves in order to shield us from every contact we make, for instance travel (handling luggage, etc.), supermarkets (handling goods, trolleys) and hospitality (pubs, cinemas). Washing one’s hands, however frequently, can only reduce the infection rate. Why do so many of us shy away from shaking hands and instead resort to the ostentatious bumping of elbows?
It is interesting to note how muted the response has been from the corridors of power. Society is not being blamed for the onset of this disease because no one has sinned. Government does not berate us for our unlawful behaviour, neither do the leaders of the church standing in their pulpits with flared nostrils do the same.
What is the answer ? One could hope God might perform a miracle to eradicate Covid. After a euphoric period of wonder and joy, the old ways of antagonism and confrontation would return with the usual consequences.
Colin Byford
Le Menage
Sausmarez Road
St Martin
GY4 6SQ