Would a lockdown for the over-50s work – and would the public accept it?

The Tories won more than half the votes of the over-50s in the 2019 general election – could forcing them into a fresh lockdown cause the government to lose support? Sean O'Grady reports

An age-related safety-first Covid strategy cannot be ruled out, despite ministers’ insistence it is not on the cards (Getty)

Although ministers have denied that the over-50s will be shielded if the current uptick in Covid infections and local outbreaks evolve into a full-on second wave, it all sounds a little unconvincing. The housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, a man who may have learnt to be more cautious in life, merely says that the talk is “just speculation”. Matt Hancock, health secretary at the centre of such a decision, says the reports are “inaccurate”. These formulations are classic non-denials, falling some way short of a categorical “this will not happen”.

However, given the government’s record of U-turns, even the most unequivocal of rebuttals might have only the shortest of lifespans. The safest thing to assume is that the plan to put the over-50s into a mere destructive lockdown even as other measures are being eased is a possible response to future trends. Another example has also been canvassed, closing pubs and restaurants while opening up schools. But it might be possible, say, to allow workplaces or the hospitality sector to open up, but mum, dad and grandparents wouldn’t be allowed to join the young folk for a pie and a pint. Just for a change publicans could be asking customers if they’re young enough to come in.

Would such an age-related plan to drive Covid back be popular? Could it work?