24/03/2020
Polite letter to the PM:
Dear Mr Boris Johnson, Thank you for announcing the lockdown today. Unfortunately because of the actions of a few people who are not taking this pandemic seriously you had to take such stringent measures. Again more money from the public purse in enforcing such measures which I completely support.
However I can’t help but wonder why we are robotically following what other countries did - so and so did this 2 weeks ago so we are going to do it now. People are still dying despite the lockdown and curfews. Isn’t it time we thought outside the box?
If your scientists say this virus is airborne and simply talking to someone could pass the infection on - which is why maintaining a social distance is helpful - then surely a reusable facial mask will go even further to reduce the spread. Anyone coughing sneezing or simply breathing will not be passing on millions of particles to the rest of society. If this face mask is made of clothe then people can wash it at high temperatures every day therefore reusable and environmentally friendly.
I know your advisors say wearing a mask is not helpful but why are we seeing constant images of people in China walking around in masks - so far the only country that seems to have a handle on this epidemic? Why were RELATIVES of infected patients in China walking around cleaning their homes with PPE when here even medical staff are struggling to get it?
If the virus can last so long on inanimate objects such as hand rails, doors and supermarket trolleys then why aren’t you ordering a deep clean of all public places to try to kill the virus - surely now would be a good time whilst we are all confined to our homes to clean up public spaces so less chance of spread when we do go out?
Why are all citizens not being given sanitizer and antibacterial wipes? We are happy to pay for these and don’t expect them to be free if they would be fairly distributed amongst the population and not the few hoarders who have drained the worlds supply so that when we are home and socially isolating we can clean properly and stop reinfecting ourselves or our families?
Surely these measures will help to reduce the spread as much as any lockdown would? Surely these will help to control the pandemic sooner and allow us to return to normality sooner? Meaning it will also be financially viable as people will be returning to work sooner and not rely on your bailouts so you can focus on cleaning up the country - quite literally?
Please consider my points and please think outside the box. I am not convinced lockdown alone will get a hold of this - it certainly doesn’t seem to be in other European countries. We may only have a small window of opportunity to do something about it. Thank you for listening.
Dr Kaleem
