Over 70's ban at Football because of Covid19?

[Palette]

It is being discussed by the Premier League that over 70's should be 'banned' from football matches. I understand we are a high risk group, but I feel that to use the term 'ban' suggests we are more likely to spread the virus. Surely this is an unwise phraseology and may result in an unhelpful attitude to the most vulnerable in the community, who are no more likely to spread the virus than anyone else. Of course I see the point in protecting the at risk groups, but at a time like this the language used to communicate safety concerns is very important to avoid ostracising vulnerable people.

[Pantani]

It's illegal to discriminate on grounds of age,gender,race etc.

[Poobah]

Language is so important. When I heard this suggestion I did think this was a knee jerk reaction at this stage. Until we enter the relevant stage where these things are properly organised, with input from scientists, we are going to get all manner of ideas as organisations try their best to protect their employees, business, customers etc. from perceived risk.

As I see it, the idea was to protect the over 70s from likely exposure in a mass crowd rather than see them as a dangerous virus carrying group. The clear message from government so far has described anyone in the over 60 as vulnerable rather than a risk.

[Cat33]

Hello Palette

I think it's more that the over 70s are at more risk if they catch it rather than them spreading it

My husband wasn't happy at seeing it being on the news but he's 71 and asthmatic I think ban is an unfortunate word to use

It's a horrible thing we are going through isn't it

Take care

[johnsmith]

Ban is the right word to use. The PC brigade makes the use of simple English difficult. We need simple direct and to the point English.

Everything is open for discussion. But hard decisions also need to be made on the advice of health and safety and medical advice.