Echo readers react as Prime Minister Boris Johnson issues strict new measures to deal with coronavirus crisis

The Sunderland community has had its say on a new set of measures introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
By Ryan Smith
Published 17th Mar 2020, 11:46 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2020, 11:47 BST

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At a press conference on Monday, March 17, Mr Johnson told the public to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres – but didn’t order venues to close.

He also advised people to work from home “where possible” and added that certain groups – over-70s, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions – should remain at home.

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Echo readers reacted to the PM’s statement on Facebook, expressing concerns over the impact the guidance would have on their day-to-day lives.

Here is what you said on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Charlene Marie Johnson: “You can't work from home if you are a doctor, nurse, police officer, fireman or even shop workers.”

Neil Martin: “I'm a driving instructor, I can see a problem working from home.”

Peter Brown: “So what do us carers and support workers do?”

A passenger wearing a mask in London the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home if possible and avoid all non-essential contacts and travel in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: PA.A passenger wearing a mask in London the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home if possible and avoid all non-essential contacts and travel in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: PA.
A passenger wearing a mask in London the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres, work from home if possible and avoid all non-essential contacts and travel in order to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: PA.

Chris Hall: “So many people don't get the work from home were possible bit. If you can't work from home then obviously you won't.”

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Joyce Spencer: “I’m supposed to isolate as I’m over 70 but I do the school run everyday.”

Debbie Quinn: “The key to this statement is ‘where possible’. If it's not possible to work from home then you can’t.

“It's an unfortunate state of affairs but when you think about the risk to the lives of your elderly relatives, a dip in your income is a drop in the ocean.”

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