THE government’s new, “hard-hitting” slogan, used by BCP Council, has divided opinion among Daily Echo readers.

The national Stay at Home campaign was launched on January 7 to encourage people to comply with the latest lockdown rules.

It has been advertised on TV, radio and social media and has also been given to local authorities for their use.

BCP Council posted one of the messages on Instagram last week which said “If you go out, you can spread it. People will die”.

In a statement, the council said: "All councils have a statutory duty to warn and inform during crises, and for Covid that includes doing all we can to amplify govt and public health messages.

"We know it’s hard hitting, but If it causes one person to reconsider and stay home instead of go out unnecessarily, that could be a decision that breaks the infection chain and saves a life."

And here’s how readers reacted to the new messaging.

It is frightening for those children whose parents have to go to work regardless like nurses because that child is absolutely helpless to save parent and scared silly.

People need to understand the serious implications of going out. Leave it as it is.

I think those who care are already doing it and those who don’t care will take no notice.

Fed up with all this. Everyone knows the risks by now. Don’t want it kept being rammed down our throats all the time.

I think it’s needed! There are still people breaking the rules regularly!

The other messaging hasn’t worked, so it’s definitely worth a try. If people don’t like it, tough.

It doesn't help to be honest. I'm unfit and high risk (I know, my fault), but this discourages me from taking much needed solitary exercise. Better if they said "if you mix with others".

What about all the people that can’t work from home and still have to travel all across Dorset to work in construction and manufacturing? This message is unfair.

I don’t really fancy a postcard through the letter box telling me my friends or family could be next to die. Some people really struggle with anxiety or have already lost loved ones and that’ll be the last thing they need! Totally unnecessary.

Was a very tasteless and over the top message to put out. We are fully aware of the effects Covid has, people don’t need to it rammed down their throats like this, very poor.