Sheffielders react to possibility of even tighter lockdown restrictions

Tougher lockdown restrictions may well be on the way, if the Covid-19 figures do not come down.

Many of our readers are in favour of the government implementing more measures.

Dave Gogarty said: “We've now got three vaccines on the go.“Why don't we have a stricter lockdown now while the vaccines are rolled out?“In the long run we'll have a much better chance of saving the economy.

“And more importantly, lives.”

Mark Flute said: “I'm for it.“I knew it would happen when we suddenly could meet from two people to six like that, way too soon, should have took time.”

Emma Hague said: “We need it.

“But it's too late.

"Should have happened in the first lockdown.“We would have saved many more lives, money and time.”

Becky Goodwin agrees.

“Either do a proper lockdown or don’t bother because with this pathetic attempt we’re going to be in and out of semi lockdown for the foreseeable,” she said. “Either close everything that isn’t essential or just say carry on with life.”

But not all of our readers agree, many of them don’t want any more restrictions.

Helen-mae Ellis said: “How can it get any stricter we already got our lives completely controlled?“We are just existing, it’s not a life!”

Paula Heeley Ezeldine said: “We only going to supermarket once a week can't get any stricter.”

Jennie Swift said: “We are free spirits with one life on earth!

“Isolation should not be part of a human existence - oneness with nature and other creatures is why we are here! It is our purpose.

“My human life's existence is so much more.”

The lockdown has been affecting reader Shiree Varley’s mental health.

She said: “Don't want to agree with it whatsoever.

“I am depressed as is everyone else in this third lock down and not got many friends to talk to so I could do without it.”

Some readers think stricter measures should be in place until the vaccine has been rolled out to all adults in the UK.

Kathleen Kendell said: “I don’t mind the lockdown cause I’m in the 70’s group so can’t wait to get the vaccine to get my life back on track.“But some people are not taking it seriously - its a case of it wont happen to me.”

Lisa Leighton-Wilson said: “If the infection rate and deaths are higher than the first one , why aren't we in fuller and stricter lockdown measures already.

“Lock it down like the first and keep it locked until vaccines have been given to majority and are working.“Then try easing it.”

Karen Mulcahey said: “We just need to do a full lockdown and get rid of this virus, save lives and let the vaccine do its work.”

However some people fear that the new restrictions won’t be able to be enforced.

Arron P D Harrop said: “There's not enough police or security to implement a full on lockdown here or impose stricter rules, and the people know it.“Millions of us on a tiny island, tiny amount of security service.“Couldn't do it in the first place, that's why were in this mess, austerity caused that, too little too late.”

Sophie Broomhead agrees.

"They can’t police the restrictions we have now,” she said. “No point adding more!”

Sarah Lamb said: “I think enforcement of the existing rules is more important than increasing them.“People meeting one person for a socially distanced walk for physical and mental health for example aren’t really the ones spreading it, it’s the ones totally disregarding the rules so why should we be punished?”

Reader Mark Baines agrees.

“Get the army in to back the police up and enforce it rather than letting people do what they want because at this rate it will still be here in another 12 months time,” he said.

Kathryne Fairey fears that people won’t follow any new restrictions. She said: “Good after seeing Meersbrook park rammed.“No social distancing from this morning and still at it now.

"All I have to do is look out of my bedroom window to see in to the park.”

Reader Joanne Donohoe doesn’t think the current restrictions are working.

She said: “I don’t think Sheffield got the lockdown memo.“Everywhere is still busy.

"All the roads all the shops nothing has changed.

"So it’s no wonder they’re considering harsher lockdown rules.“If people did what they’re supposed to they wouldn’t need them. Only get ourselves to blame.”

Our readers had some discussion on what the new restrictions could be.

Susan Cooper suggested halting sports could be a possibility.

She said: “They should stop professional and amateur sports.“Footballers are hugging after scoring goals, snooker players are testing positive.”

Border closers is a topic brought up by Charli Hanson.

She said: “They need to have a lockdown like the first of this is going to work!

"They need to stop everyone working who is not absolutely essential.“They need to close the borders.

"They need to manage which shops are been classed as essential.“As much as I appreciate B&M it’s not really essential. “We need a circuit break for a few weeks.“No one in and no one out, only certain essential shops open and limited items to be sold to stop panic buyers.

"People aren’t taking it serious enough.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.