Dr. Barbara Southcott writes (Dorset Echo Tuesday January 12th),”in civilised society we try to eliminate risk”.

Heaven forbid... It might appear somewhat pedantic but with regard to covid might this not be problematic.

Life without risk would be unbearable.

Risk sensibly reduced, yes but the nation now has been frightened into a situation where many seem to truly believe the lady's statement.

No risk must be taken and we all have a right to eternal life.

How many children removed from school during lockdowns cycle happily on our roads?

How many accompany parents in car journeys?

The examples with commensurate risk levels are endless.

The idea that nothing else matters and everything must come to a standstill until the dream of a total eradication of the virus is accomplished, is a nonsense.

No proper risk assessment is allowed to be promoted at any time.

It is known but never discussed by the scientists and medical professionals on the television daily, just how many are dying and suffering as a direct result of the `covid-only` approach to the nation’s health.

Later in the letter it is suggested there are those who might benefit from a prioritised list of people and occupations to be vaccinated.

One might suggest that while not mentioned in this listing, with due gratitude it might be wise to appoint many to such a list; one thinks of the bus drivers and supermarket employees who have done admirable service over the past year for the public good without ever having demanded the preferential treatment seemingly expected by others.

National Health workers at the 'sharp end' have worked tirelessly but those at the top of this autonomous structure have done demonstrably less well and after this panic is over the government would do well to remember and strive to improve the top level management.

RON HILL

Weymouth