Sir, – On Thursday evening when the NHS clapping tribute to the NHS was on the news, I was surfing the net for updated information on coronavirus in various countries.
I was struck by some of the headlines such as “war” against the pandemic, and the number of doctors and nurses who had caught the virus from their patients and had indeed died as a result.
I also noticed a couple of incidents of NHS staff being evicted from their rented homes due to the rationale that they will be in contact with coronavirus patients and sooner or later they will bring it back to the house.
In war, those in the services who put themselves in harm’s way to save the lives of others may well be awarded the Victoria Cross, or at the least some other medal for bravery.
Many athletes are given awards, even knighthoods simply for winning for their countries against other countries.
Some celebrities are likewise given awards for endorsing their favourite charities.
So what then of the NHS staff who are going back in there, day after day, knowing well enough that there is every chance that they may well be the next victim of the virus.
What of them when eventually, hopefully, this virus is beaten.
Do they just get back to work and get on with it, hoping with any luck they will get a rise in salary next year?
Is all they are to get a round of applause for a few minutes by an extremely appreciative public.
Surely, they are worth at least as much, or possibly very much more than some of those who were given greater awards, for very much less.
Ian Macdonald.
Primrose Terrace,
Perth.
Virus response is chasing game
Sir, – It seems to me that the planning for dealing with the current crisis is not all it might be.
It was not unforeseen that in a pandemic that is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system that there would be a need for respirators.
However, it has taken four weeks into the outbreak before the Westminster Government has acted to increase the supply of such respirators.
This slow reaction only adds to the impression that this Johnson government is chasing the game and making it up as they go along.
Their incompetence could cost lives.
Brian Batson.
7 Lour Road,
Forfar.
Street let down neighbourhood
Sir, – At 8pm on Thursday my partner Margaret and I immediately headed towards the front door for the celebatory clapping in support of the NHS, not only because her daughter is a key worker on the front line, but everybody in a key job needs our support.
The minute we reached the front step I was overcome by the cacophony of noise from the top of our estate,and by certain surrounding areas, but sadly not from the street in which I live.
I’m sure it wouldn’t have been too much effort, folks, to have come to the front door for a minute, after all, we were a safe distance apart.
Eric Travers.
38 Gellatly Road,
Dunfermline.
A grudging admiration
Sir, – Personally, I never thought that I would feel admiration, let alone respect for Nicola Sturgeon but she has exhibited drive, determination and a single minded, not political point scoring, attitude in the present situation.
She deserves great credit and all the support the Scottish people can give at this time so please, the usual contributors to the letters page, lay off any political point scoring until such a time it is more suitable.
Normal pointless debate can then resume.
Michael Diack.
14 Biggin Wa’s,
Kirkcaldy.
Alcohol law is mystifying
Sir, – This morning I took advantage of the priority shopping hour from 9 till 10 in the morning at Tesco in Blairgowrie.
As ever, the staff were helpful and cheerful and the store was very well organised.
However, having encouraged the elderly and those with other problems to take advantage of this hour three times a week, you then find you can buy no alcohol until 10 o’ clock.
This group of shoppers are at the very least as likely to want to buy a bottle of wine to help them through their self isolation as those who are younger or more able, but they are then forced to stay in store, defeating the object of the exercise.
The reason for this law is illogical and mystifying in the first place, but surely it should be lifted at least during the coronavirus regulations.
Preferably, it should be abandoned altogether.
Andrew Valentine.
Islabank,
Coupar Angus.
Why did prince travel at all?
Sir, – Prince Charles had mild coronavirus symptoms on Sunday.
Yet he travelled to rural Royal Deeside on Monday and thereafter he tested positive. Why did he travel at all?
The heir to the throne of this country has shown scant regard to the situation facing us.
This whole episode beggars belief when the vast majority of people are doing their utmost to slow down the transmission of this terrible virus.
What kind of example is this from our future king?
Scott Williams.
70 Trinity Fields Crescent, Brechin.
