Discontinue the curfew

THE EDITOR, Madam:

WHAT GOOD is a national curfew as a containment measure to prevent or stem the spread of COVID-19, when it makes little sense – both in theory and in practice – when paired with social distancing and, moreover, the mandatory wearing of masks? Citizens should be allowed to move freely about, with no curfew restricting and limiting at what times they do so, as long as they are wearing a mask of one sort or another. The fact of the matter is that if wearing a mask and practising social distancing works, and this is workable between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., then why would it not achieve the same positive results between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.?

As far as masks go, public education needs to be stepped up, in that regard, to inculcate the highly important message/motto: ‘You wear your mask to protect me – and I wear my mask to protect you – from getting the coronavirus’.

Last, those who choose, for whatever reason, not to wear a mask in public should be approached and warned by the police that if they fail to comply with this mandate, they will be fined.

PATRICK GALLIMORE