Pandemic ponderings

Your article “China is no role model” (March 16) makes it clear that there was a small window of opportunity following the viral outbreak in Wuhan to contain the virus, or, at a minimum, prevent its global spread. The Chinese government knowingly and maliciously slammed this window shut by attempting to cover up any news of the outbreak, thereby wreaking havoc on the entire world.

Once the coronavirus pandemic is contained and the United Nations Assembly reconvenes, all the nations of the world should rise up to condemn the Chinese leadership for perpetrating this monstrous crime against all of humanity.

FRED GOTTLIEB Jerusalem

Regarding “Chinese coronavirus commentary” (March 16), the protestations of the Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Israel cannot alter facts, which are that the SARS virus epidemic of 2017, and the 2019 coronavirus epidemic originated from wild animals in China, that the Chinese authorities did not prevent the operation of wet markets in China, where wild animals are sold for consumption, and from where the viruses spread to the world.

Perhaps the Chinese spokesperson would like to explain why Dr. Li Wenliang, the Chinese doctor who was the whistle blower on the coronavirus was forced to sign a statement acknowledging his “misdemeanor” for making public the coronavirus danger, and why China has ordered a temporary ban on wildlife markets and consumption of wildlife. If the ban is temporary, they will be allowed to reopen in the future, when we can expect another world virus epidemic originating in China.

GERRY MYERS Beit Zayit

Is the letter from the Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Israel a late Purim joke? It is impossible to take it seriously.

It says that “the Chinese government and people with resolute actions and huge sacrifices, have created a strong first line of defense against the international spread of the virus. China is protecting its people and the entire world.” See what I mean about the late Purim joke ?

It goes on to say, “What China has been doing exemplifies its respect and safeguard of basic human rights.” Do they even know what human rights are? We are talking about people who eat animals from the street, alive or dead.

The consensus would seem to be that the virus emanated from China because of their abominable eating habits. If indeed their people have had to make huge sacrifices (perhaps the Embassy could say just what they are) it is of their own making.

It is time China was put on notice and instead of currying favor with them – as Israel, for one, has done – make it clear it either conforms to accepted standards of hygiene and eating habits or be ostracized. Their lack of human rights should also be taken into consideration. So we will pay a bit more for our goods, but balance that against our health and it is a no-brainer.

YENTEL JACOBS

Netanya

“Why is Israel going into near lockdown?” (March 17) says that much of the reason for the measures being taken is due to of the state of the medical system.

I consider the shutdown to be another ploy by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay his trial, even though it may be the correct thing to do. The orders from the Health Ministry have been half-cocked from the beginning, telling people to self-isolate when returning but allowing them to travel on public transport