THE media are giving daily statistics concerning the number of people testing positive for coronavirus but there is no follow up data showing how many people have recovered without the need for hospitalisation.

They may well have acted responsibly and self-isolated as directed.

No one wants to return to the trauma of the earlier weeks and months of the pandemic, but surely a sense of optimism would not now go amiss after six months of hardship.

The medical profession has stated that it knows much more about the virus and will be able to give vastly improved treatment even for the most serious cases.

The government cannot continue with the stringent restrictions for an indefinite period and should soon consider that the country will have to learn to live with the virus as suggested by the Chancellor and more importantly by many in the business community who rightly fear for the economy.

D Wearmouth, Shildon.