ABOUT 60,000 civilians died in nearly six years in the Second World War due to enemy action.

We have lost more than 40,000 to coronavirus in six months.

After Government delay and bungling at the start and a full lockdown, restrictions relaxed to a slightly more tolerable level.

Now we face darker times again. I just wish they had been more direct to everyone. Made clear what are “guidelines” and what are statutory requirements.

Most of the small independent businesses have got it right.

Their doorway messaging tends to be more direct and you can see where they’ve put the effort in.

They know if they catch Covid-19 their business could fold.

A lot of the big players in retail still tiptoe around the matter of mask wearing.

Although there are deniers, civil libertarians and the plain stupid, 90 per cent of the public are doing their best to comply.

Unfortunately the 10 per cent undermine everyone else’s efforts.

Rather like those who didn’t use black-out curtains in the war.

We hear excuses by the public in the media over non-compliance.

They are never challenged about their own behaviour. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

If we don’t now all do what we are told, total disaster lays ahead for our health and the economy.

Matt Hancock came in for some stick over his “don’t kill Granny” remark aimed at the young. At last some straight talking, but should have added “and Grandad too”.

NICK CHIVERS

London Road, Westcliff

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