TODAY we have published a story about Oldham taxi drivers strongly suspected of breaching coronavirus regulations by socialising near the Oasis Academy.

If there has been a breach, they would not be the only ones guilty of such a sin.

Across the North West and the UK, there is increasingly vocalised frustration at the so-called complicated nature of the specific coronavirus regulations relevant to local areas.

This is not helped by national broadcasters who bang on about how “complicated” the regulations are.

But the way to combat Covid-19 – as we know from the first national lockdown in spring – is very simple: Social distancing (ideally two metres), not mixing indoors, wearing face masks when in shops and on public transport, and regular handwashing with hot soap and water. How complicated is that?

In fairness, it is true to say that this form of restraint on society is almost unique in our history and presents very real challenges to mental health.

A look back at 20th century history, however, might be beneficial to rule breakers, moaners and those unfortunate students forced to quarantine instead of enjoying a traditionally hedonistic freshers’ week.

No-one is asking anyone to go to shoot at Germans from the trenches of Belgium and northern France. No-one is rationing our food and we are not on the brink of invasion from the most evil regime in history – the Nazis.

Pupils are not carrying gas masks for fear of a chemical attack, there no bombs being dropped on cities, and children are not being evacuated from cities to the countryside to stay with people who basically don’t want them. We all need to get a grip.