Trevor Ringland: We immediately need to discuss safe ways to re-start the economy and avoid very serious long-term problems

This is a simplification that we would be better to get past if we don’t want to suffer unintended consequences that may yet prove worse than the disease.

It is clear that the virus is highly infectious and, until a vaccine is developed, we are at risk of catching it.

It could be twelve months or more before a vaccine is available, though the levels of infection could also drop if a sufficient proportion of the population develops immunity.

For around 80% of us, the symptoms should be relatively mild, but, for the remaining 20% its impact will range from moderate to severe.

There is a risk of death for a small but significant proportion of us, particularly for those who are older or those who have underlying health problems. It also seems a small number of younger people with no underlying issues are affected severely.

It is vitally important that the growth of the spread of the virus is as slow as possible, to let our health system cope and give patients the best chance of survival.

As health workers are risking their lives for us the best way we can show our appreciation is by abiding by the rules of lockdown, while they are still in place.

Critically, we must continue to minimise the risk for the most vulnerable.

If an effective antibody test is rolled out successfully among the general population it should show that increasing numbers are immune and allow us to gradually open up society and the economy.

This is a difficult and tragic time. What we need is honest and constructive leadership from those who are in a position to make a difference to seriously ill people.

It is disappointing to see that some politicians are eager to attack Robin Swann, the chief medical officer, or others in the health service, in an effort to score political points.

We need also to have the maturity to discuss all the issues around this disease and the lockdown seriously, rather than presenting a populist point of view.

The economy makes a real difference to mortality rates and life expectancy, just as a close focus on one particular disease will start to affect patients with other conditions, some of which are likely to increase because of lockdown.

These are difficult issues, which require careful thought, and the answers won’t be simple or easy.

We are approaching a point in the next few weeks when we will probably have to risk reducing the current restrictions, in order to get our economy started again.

Otherwise, the chances of other, very serious long-term problems that could devastate our society further will increase.

We have to help and support the people who will make those difficult judgement calls and seek innovative ideas about caring for those who must remain in isolation for longer. How can we maintain social contact while minimising risk?

How do we start to open our economy, the schools and get people back to work, while still appreciating the risks and discharging our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable?

This discussion should start immediately.

The world has been changed by this crisis. Many challenges lie ahead and the future will be shaped by a greater appreciation of what we have.

As we look to that future, we should aim to take better care of our society and all of us within it.