Would you support a further extension of the lockdown? The results are in

As the lockdown review date looms, the paper and our sister titles across the country asked readers if they would support a further extension of the lockdown - and the results are in.
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Exclusive polling on JPIMedia’s news sites has shown that most people support extending the lockdown for ‘as long as it takes’.

The Government has come under mounting pressure in recent days to announce its plans to ease the lockdown, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that he would not risk a second peak in the disease by relaxing restrictions too quickly.

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That position appears to be endorsed in the online poll, which canvassed the views of more than 3,000 readers from across the country.

The lockdown being enforced in BrightonThe lockdown being enforced in Brighton
The lockdown being enforced in Brighton

In answer to the question, ‘Would you support a further extension of the lockdown?’ (beyond the next review date of 7 May):

70% voted: “Yes, as long as it takes”

15% voted: “Yes, but only for a bit longer”

15% voted: “No, it's been long enough”

Nick Mitchell, head of content development at JPIMedia, commented:

"We recently created a team of engagement specialists across the group, and they are focused on how we communicate with and listen to our audiences through interactive content, social media and email newsletters.

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"They've already had a fantastic impact, and opinion polls and surveys are one very simple way we can use our digital reach to get a local and national perspective on the issues that matter.

"We had a good response to this poll and it was interesting to see how strong the support remains for the lockdown continuing - for now at least."

A more extensive reader survey to canvass views around the pandemic, lockdown and recovery is now planned.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

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With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.