Sir, - Michael McDowell says we must not repeat the draconian rules introduced during Covid times (“We must never repeat the colossal damage we inflicted on ourselves during Covid-19”, Opinion, April 29th).
At the time, we were facing an unknown virus that was causing catastrophic loss of life with no known answer to its spread other than isolation from infection. Lessons will be learned from this terrible event but it is easy to be wise after the fact. – Yours, etc,
ENDA SCANLON,
Ennis,
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Co Clare.
Sir, – With reference to Michael McDowell’s article, it is important and fair to say that never has a task been completed, a game played or a process agreed that could not in hindsight have been done differently or maybe even better.
But hindsight is the preserve of those who sit in judgement on the actions and commitment of others. All through our lives both as individuals and as community, local or national, we make our daily decisions based on the facts as we know them and on the advice available.
Our leaders and their medical advisers made their Covid-related decisions based on the knowledge available. They deserve our gratitude for their leadership at a time when many dimensions of the unknown presented the greatest challenge.
I write as one who reached the age of 70 early in the pandemic and tried to follow the guidelines, despite not inconsiderable limitations both personal and public. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL GLEESON,
Killarney,
Co Kerry.
