A lesson from Italy: it`s all or nothing
(The Guardian Italy)

Writing from Italy, Marika McGregor is disappointed that the UK lockdown is being seen as `draconian´ and predicts that people will soon be hiding indoorsCoronavirus - latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageI have sympathy for police forces who have been under fire for what some see as overzealous interpretations of the lockdown rules. Covid-19 is so contagious that I believe an all-or-nothing crackdown is the only one that works, and I am disappointed that the media continue to use words like `draconian` (Sunshine on way to UK but health officials stress: stay home, 2 April).I live in Italy and can be fined EUR1,000 or slung in jail for up to three months if I leave my village without good reason. The UK, unlike Italy, had the benefit of studying precedents and could have locked down from the start. I predict that in a week or two everyone with any concept of self-preservation in the UK will be safely cowering behind their doors - including those bleating about the erosion of their freedoms - while only brave hospital staff, carers, emergency service workers, volunteers and public servants will be out risking their lives to help the many. Continue reading...