This is what Mail readers think about stricter Covid rules ahead of tier review

Speaking on Tuesday, December 29, Professor Andrew Hayward, of the Government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) said widespread Tier 4 restrictions – or even higher – are likely to be needed as the country moves towards “near-lockdown”.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think we are entering a very dangerous new phase of the pandemic and we’re going to need decisive, early, national action to prevent a catastrophe in January and February.”

Professor Hayward added that he thinks schools will have to return “maybe a little bit later” and reopening would mean “we’re going to have to have increased, strict restrictions in other areas of society to pay for that”.

The debate over the reopening of schools after the Christmas break is also continuing, with scientists and school leaders suggesting a delay might be needed as cases of Covid-19 continue to rise.

As calls grow for more Tier 4 restrictions in areas across England – with Health Secretary Matt Hancock due to announce any changs on Wednesday, December 30 – we asked Mail readers on our Facebook page what they thought of another national lockdown.

This is what you had to say:

Kaylie Louise: “While other countries are moving into Covid-free statuses we are absolutely no further forward.”

Carol Burton: “No there shouldn’t be another lockdown, yes lockdown will slow this down but as soon as people can go back out the numbers will rise again, this is a virus and won’t just disappear, it needs to run its [course] and we need to get back to some normality.”

Lynn Dove: “Yes, but stricter rules this time, massive fines to people who are where they shouldn't be, proof of permission to be out, harsh I know but only way this virus will die out.”

Scott Phillips: “Anyone saying yes give your head a wobble, been clear as day for months we need to look after old and vulnerable and the rest of us crack on. Lockdown 2 was pointless pathetic and did not work.”

Sue Jobson: “Yes only if it was a full lockdown and the police were on the street. Fine people because they think it’s a big joke, well it’s not my husband is in critical care trying to fight this off and I have got it and it’s serious.”

Allison Scott: “ but with much stricter rules than the first and sceond lockdown. People should be out for essential shopping and medicines only.”

Ste Rudd: “Nope we need to roll out the vaccine as quick as possible to the most vulnerable and then just let it run, lockdowns are not working.”

Tracy Dixon: “Yes but do it properly like at the beginning, no one was out and about. Now you wouldn’t know lockdown was on shops are chocker, the roads are busy. I think it’s going to take one more proper lockdown. Otherwise it’ll keep going on and on like this.”

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