We can all play a part in getting through this

TOP marks to the Otago academics developing virus test technology (ODT,

19.3.20), Prof Miguel QuinonesMateu, of the University of Otago microbiology and immunology department, and his colleague, Associate Prof James

Ussher.

They and their team successfully developed the test just in time to test Dunedin’s first Covid19 pandemic cases.

Otago University has a proud record of international medical and other achievements and it would be wonderful if our outstanding academics helped solve the global virus pandemic problem.

Sadly, some pandemic patients have died but some have recovered, including some in New Zealand.

We must all play our part in solving the pandemic problem and follow all the official advice, especially maintaining personal hygiene, carefully washing hands — not forgetting taps, door handles and so on that our hands touch.

When circumstances eventually allow us, it is important that we support retailers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, tourism and other businesses.

Charles Campbell

Caversham

HOW wonderful to read your letter of hope, Marion McMullan (Letters, 27.03.20). We all need to focus on the good things that may result from these changing, difficult and sometimes scary times.

Your letter reminds us that positive things can come from the hardest of things we’re presented with.

Enjoy your new ways of learning at home and keeping in contact with your friends and family.

Ann Charlotte

Waikouaiti

THIS is a worrying time for so many people and we trust that this virus can be beaten quickly so that New Zealand, and the world, can get back to some normality again as soon as possible.

We received a message from the Dunedin Mayor (ODT, 26.3.20) and it is reassuring to know that the Dunedin City Council is focusing on ‘‘keeping our essential services — rubbish collection, wastewater, stormwater and drinking water’’.

Apparently, the staff ‘‘are working hard behind the scenes to keep the city running as normally as possible’’.

This, too, is reassuring but hopefully, during this period, the planners are uniting to stop the proposed changes for the Octagon and George St, as well as giving us back some badly needed car parks.

Dunedin is a unique city. Don’t spoil it through unwise planning, choices and decisions.

Bernice Armstrong

North East Valley

HERE was I thinking I’d be a good citizen and not panic buy. Normal shopping levels were observed, as officially advised.

What I should have done was stock up. Because now, with essential household supplies dwindling and unable to access the supermarket’s stocks online for delivery, I have to potentially endanger the population and myself, or another friend/family member, to obtain supplies.

It seems those who stocked up or panic bought were much wiser than I.

Heaven forbid, if this happens again, I’ll be in there stocking up and ignoring official advice!

Steve Barkman

Macandrew Bay .....................................

BIBLE READING: Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. — Psalms 111.2.