We only have to look overseas to see the disastrous results of lifting them too early. Look at what is happening in Israel, England, Spain, France, India, Brazil and of course Trump`s America. I rest my case.

Why should we be thankful for small mercies, as NSW and Victorian leaders finally agree to relax the crippling restrictions on border crossings months after the damage has been done?

Now is not the time for celebration, as it becomes all too obvious that the whole farcical and punitive circus of permits and fines, discussions and desperate pleas was for nothing.

While some might argue otherwise, it seems likely that the health outcome in our region would have been no different had the border never been closed, with zero cases of coronavirus infection in the wider community that might have been prevented from crossing into New South Wales.

Not only must we now cope with the backlog of hospital treatments needlessly cancelled, and the mortality from those delays, but we are expected to recover under the oppressive and socially destructive rules of masking and "social distancing" - a treatment initially devised by the CIA to soften up detainees for interrogation.

All the signs from Europe are that the virus is now weakening and becoming far less lethal, and with some populations likely to soon develop "herd immunity".

Thanks to the misguided policies of our governments and their social engineering-minded advisors, escape from our "COVID normal" prison to join that herd now looks impossible.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The wowser faction controlling Indigo Shire has been successful in ending the Rutherglen Wine Experience, a great loss for Rutherglen and surrounding areas.

The 30-odd wine producers around Rutherglen must be devastated. The local wine industry contributes tens of millions to the economy and are large employers. Tourists visit our region for our vibrant wine, food, heritage and nature tourism.

Businesses involved in any of these ventures will need to vote wisely in the upcoming council elections as those businesses may be at risk if these councillors are re-elected.

The easing of restrictions in regions should be a reason to move Melbourne spring events to the regions and have some people there, just not city people.

Change is a must. Move the Melbourne Spring races to Wangaratta and have safe cross-border interest.

Move some other races to Echuca and Mildura and have cross-border interest there as well.

This would help regions and help racing and create new excitement.

The grand final move should be an example of new places to keep excitement.

Stuart Davie, Corowa