ARGUS readers are concerned lockdown measures have been eased too early.

In a poll, the majority voted in favour of maintaining restrictions to prevent the risk of a second wave of coronavirus in the UK.

When asked if “it is too early to be easing some lockdown measures”, 67 per cent who voted said yes.

But 25 per cent said they “would like to see the lockdown lifted as soon as possible”.

The remaining eight per cent were “not sure”.

This comes after some lockdown measures were lifted on Wednesday, including the limiting of outdoor exercise each day.

Driving to outdoor open spaces is also allowed as well as travelling to beauty sports in England.

Another major change is that people can meet family and friends in parks, if they meet one at a time and stay two metres apart.

But there are fears this increased leniency could lead to an upsurge in the UK’s rate of infection.

Toni Wallace said: “The virus is still here. People are still being infected. People are still dying.

“It’s going to be mayhem out there as crowds converge on the beaches. If I was afraid before, I am much more afraid now.

“I won’t be changing what I have been doing for the last eight weeks. Staying home, keeping safe.”

Natalie Duke agreed that the lockdown should have remained in full force.

She said: “I went out to get our weekly shop from the local supermarket and I thought I had stepped back in time.

“It’s like nothing has happened and everyone is safe. After losing two family members from this dreadful virus I think it’s way too early to lift restrictions and get ‘back to normal’.

“Things won’t be normal for a long time. My kids certainly will not be used as guinea pigs by returning to school before I see hard evidence that this virus has gone away.”

Adrian Butler, on the other hand, said he believed “the moves are a good thing”.

But, he questioned rules over meeting friends and family.

He said: “I don’t get why you can look around a stranger’s house (if you’re thinking about moving) or employ a stranger to come in an clean your house, but you can’t have own family in your house.”