During this dreadful, unpredictable period of time, we have all found ourselves thinking differently, and putting what is more important to us forefront in our minds.

For me it is my health, family and having more time to think and reflect on life in general.

When I sat down to read the paper, finding a general call for Dominic Cummings' resignation for flouting the rules of lockdown, like most I felt angry at him for doing this: 'why should I be stuck in the house, not entering shops for 12 weeks, and having to rely on people to do things for me?'

However, after reflecting on how I would have managed it, my thoughts changed to initial panic and anxiety: the reality of it all was enormous!

How easy it was to judge!

My two sons have grown up now and I have grandchildren, but if they had been living with me, unable to look after themselves, and I discovered that I had developed this frightening Covid-19, my main concerns would be: 'What if I have to spend time in hospital? I may DIE – who will look after my young children?'

Without a doubt I would have thought of my family and sought help from them.

My family live in Northamptonshire: what should I do?

I would not feel comfortable about flouting the rules, but I would do my very best to get them to safety, but also ensure everyone precaution was made to protect others.

These are my personal feelings regarding this incident: not everyone will agree with me, but I am so thankful that I did not have to make such a vital decision that could change my life and the future of my children.

JENNY COULL

Abingdon

Beginning to end the lockdown is a worrying time. Boris Johnson’s Government is really flying blind. The test and trace regime is not up and running whatever the Government claims.

The car factory, the schools, the shops and the rest of us are taking the first cautious steps. We can only hope for the best and see what happens. But it’s a big risk.

A responsible Government would have rapid testing in place already. But as usually the Tories are late; late to the lockdown, late with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and now late with testing.

The public can only rely on safe-distancing, hand washing and staying home. For our own sake and for the wider community the rules have never been more important.

JOHN TANNER

Littlemore ward, Oxford City Council

SIX weeks ago the government issued its statutory guidance to local authorities to reallocate road to pedestrians & cyclists particularly in areas with high public transport use.

Today I was biking around Oxford city centre & deeply distressed to see no sign of this happening. What is the delay? Oxford without cars but with wide pavements & bicycle lanes ( which allowed small electric vehicles subsidised for the elderly or disabled ) would be a benefit for all of us & there is a large body of people who support this. There are detailed proposals out there. Why isn’t it being made a reality?

What I did see was a lady knocked off her bike on Folly Bridge. We need proper safe bicycle lanes & space for people to walk.

I look forward to your replies (or just to see work starting on it).

JESSICA UPTON

East Oxford

Memories of Monty

IT WAS interesting to read about the life of Monty Hillier, in Memory Lane (Oxford Mail, May 11).

A photo of him meeting fellow three-mile champion Mike Dunhill on the Iffley Road track, reminded me of the first year Matthew Arnold School, Cumnor, opened. My last year before leaving school I attended the first term at Matthew Arnold when it opened. Mike Dunhill was the PE teacher.

STEVE CHANDLER

Kennington