Coronavirus spikes in Europe and northwest England cities have sparked fears that Boris Johnson could reintroduce shielding for the over 50s. But one furious 67-year-old has insisted she will not follow any more restrictions nor will she pay a fine. Linda told panellists on the Jeremy Vine show that is healthy and doesn’t need to shield but commentator Iain Dale explained how she poses a risk to others.
The caller, Linda said: “I’m very healthy.
“I’m not on any medication which apparently at my age is very unsual so I’m afraid they’ll have to put me in prison because I wouldn’t pay a fine.
“I would refuse to pay it.”
Panellist Iain Dale added: “This reminds me of what’s going on in America over face masks where people can think it’s their constituational right not to wear a face mask.
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“They think that somehow that their rights are being infringed.
“Fine if you don’t want to take the Government’s advice and put yourself at risk, that it up to you.
“But what you’re doing is being very selfish because you’re putting other people at risk as well.”
Linda hit back at his claim and questioned how she is putting people at risk.
Sir Paul Nurse, the director of the Francis Crick Institute, said the Government should “treat the public as adults” in its communications over Covid-19.
He told the BBC’s Today programme: “I think we need greater openness in the decision-making.
“It sometimes seems somewhat shrouded in secrecy. And not only that, but better communication of what’s happening. Treat the public as adults.”
But the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “We have been sharing data extensively with local authorities and local public health teams in order to help inform the decisions that they are taking on dealing with outbreaks.