We must help those worse off than ourselves
A NEW battleground in the nineyear conflict in Syria has opened up with confirmation of the first cases of Covid-19 in war-torn Idlib province. Four medical staff working in two hospitals on the border with Turkey have tested positive, and we are likely to see more.
The consequences of a Covid-19 outbreak in northwest Syria are too terrible to contemplate, with around 2.3million of the four million population in the opposition-controlled area displaced from their homes, living in overcrowded temporary shelter and all dependent on aid. The controls that Ireland and countries around the globe have enacted in the past months to stem the spread of Covid-19 are neither practical nor possible in the refugee or displaced camp context.
Although GOAL staff in Syria have now reached over 800,000 people with information on controlling the spread of the virus, it is unrealistic to expect people who live in such conditions to be able to wash their hands often given the lack of running water, to wear masks, to sanitise, and to socially distance while living six or seven to a tent while a similarly full tent is inches on either side.
In addition, the health system is overwhelmed after nine years of brutal conflict. GOAL has been on the ground in northwest Syria since 2012, and is providing more than 1.1million conflict-affected people with water, food and livelihoods.
We will continue to do everything that is humanly possible to support these populations. Sustained support is needed from the international community. The world must not forget the plight of the people of Syria. LORRAINE MARRIOTT, Regional Director GOAL,
Middle East, GOAL, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.
Think for yourselves
LIKE everyone else, I was extremely concerned when the Covid-19 crisis began. However, alarm bells began to ring for me on the basis of the evidence before my own eyes, not what I am being told is before my own eyes.
On visiting Dublin last weekend, I was struck by the sight of many discarded face masks lying about the streets. It only serves to reinforce my suspicions about the crisis. If Covid-19 is the great plague of our times as we are being led to believe, why aren’t biohazard bins provided for the safe disposal of coronavirus-related PPE?
Also, If these face mask users are so concerned about not infecting others, then why are they chucking them about the streets?
It is obvious the almost ritualistic wearing of the face mask is a purely symbolic act, and that while the virus itself is genuine, the Covid-19 ‘crisis’ is not.
The political elite’s rhetoric has hardened very much towards compliance and enforcement at all costs. Their propaganda-reinforced groupthink now demands that freedom of thought must be shamed, humiliated, and punished, that thinking for oneself is selfish, that non-conformity with the official narrative means that you want people to die.
PETER KEATING, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork.
Cowen made his bed
I FAIL to see what the people of Offaly are moaning about. Although I am not a big fan of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, these people should be directing their complaints towards their TD, Barry Cowen. I’m sure nobody forced drink down his throat, or forced him to drive on a provisional license unaccompanied. He is old enough to know better. BRENDAN O’BRIEN,
Tallaght, Dublin.
Don’t snub vaccines
RECENT warnings about antivaxxers brought back memories of the scare over the whooping cough vaccine in the 1970s.
I decided I would not allow my daughter to have the vaccine.
Aged six, she got the disease and was extremely ill for several weeks. As I cared for her and worried myself sick, I vowed never to refuse a vaccine again. She recovered, and I made certain my son had the jab.
I would encourage everyone to have the vaccine for coronavirus once it is available so we can eliminate this illness once and for all.
JULIE WRIGHT, by email.