I long for my pre-coronavirus days and lifestyle

When my mum went on a holiday in the 1950s to Ireland from Australia there were pre-arranged phone calls. The calls were at an exact time so the whole family could be there. The calls were only for a few minutes and were so, so expensive.

For the last few days, I have been out and about, not physically due to Covid-19, but through video conferences. There really is no cost apart from some data usage and it can be used by anyone. I have been one of 30 volunteers discussing the week, one of five in a family catch-up, one of six in a writer’s group, and soon one on one with my violin tutor. The app I am using allows me to ‘touch up my appearance’ but there doesn’t seem to be a ‘play in tune’ version for the violin playing.

One of the participants mentioned that it only takes about a month for something to become an ingrained habit. Will the future mean that more of our communications will be virtual than readl? In how many ways will we change the habits of a life? Will life ever be the same as it was, the same way I like it? I want my life to go back to what it was. —Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Together people, govt can make a difference

I enjoyed the reading, This Indian state shows how the virus can be

contained (KT, April 13). It outlined the truth, the actions taken by government machineries in Kerala and the mammoth tasks taken by offices helped flatten the curve in the state.

People in the state sincerely laud the care and concern of the state minister of health and appreciate the actions taken. Shailaja teacher’s untiring efforts allowed the state to make best use of the available resources. This along with an active participation of people helped the state immensely.

It might be too early to say all is well, but let us pray and hope for a safer environment soon. —George Antony, Dubai