Recognise all workers who keep us going...

Virus could kill scrutiny Repurpose the Palace Can we stop panicking?

AS the scourge of coronavirus tightens its grip on us all, we, the over 70s that is, have been told that we must stay at home and avoid all contact – not only with the general population but also with family and friends, no handshakes or hugs.

The government advises us that not only is this for our own good, but this will save potential strain on the NHS as underlying medical problems which we might have, would cause a great deal of trouble for the nursing staff who, otherwise, might be able to treat more people who would have a better chance of survival.

Because of this explanation the guilt which we might feel at skulking in the comparative safety of our homes, while everyone else is at greater risk, is lessened and we can feel that we are doing our bit for the greater good.

However, how is it that we are able to stay at home and avoid the virus? Our very existence will be supported by an army of workers toiling long hours to provide us with food and essentials.

These people must be among the worst-paid and worst-treated workers in the country, embroiled in the ‘gig’ economy, often not knowing whether their services will be needed on any particular day.

As we plunge into a period of greater restriction the work will be there for the taking but what will happen when the virus burns out? The doctors and nursing staff will, rightly, get their well-deserved accolades but what of those who have been fetching and carrying for us under working conditions most of us would find intolerable?

There will be no honours, no OBEs or knighthoods, for those who kept us going during this period of emergency. Glib words are spoken by the government at times like this but all is likely to be forgotten once the crisis is past.

The government must be held to account – not only for the invaluable work carried out at this dreadful time, but also to ensure that good working conditions and pay are accorded to those upon whose labour we are so dependent.

Rod Slater, Lymm

OUR coronavirus crisis is understandably on everybody’s mind – not least because we are incessantly told it should be by the media’s mob mentality.

Its implications could be culture changing – what will happen to cleaners and security staff if businesses find they can dispense with offices by getting all their staff to use their homes instead?

Already charities are reeling under the prospect of massive failures as fundraising events and activities are cancelled. People will die as a result.

Will print media be given a fatal blow if nobody is on the streets to buy it and less inclined when they are because it is lacking sports news?

What will happen to politicians, local and national, when there is less scrutiny and challenge of their actions as they manage the electronic media (as the Prime Minister seeks to do with his daily briefings)?

Who will be able to hold public services like the police to account if there is no press or public service broadcasting?

In the months ahead with critical decisions on the climate emergency, dealing with plastics, and other toxic environmental waste and putting the economy back together we need a vibrant, informing and informed press more than ever. We need it nationally, regionally, (as with the M.E.N.) and locally where it has already often died out.

It’s been said before, but bears saying again – tech giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook are happy to scoop the advertising from newspapers and off-shore the money, but pay very little in the way of rates, or taxes.

Government should introduce a proper media tax and recycle the money back through local journalism which provides transparency, record, a democratic forum and probing into dark corners those with power want to be kept out of sight.

T. Elones, city centre

SINCE Buckingham Palace will be vacant for the foreseeable future, surely this building will be an ideal additional hospital site required during this crisis. No doubt the building will be clean and spacious for easy adaptation and it is hoped members of the Royal Family will volunteer to assist.

John Bottomley, M11

This picture was taken on the Macclesfield Canal by Christopher Roman of Rusholme. If you have a stunning picture, then we’d love to see it. Send your photos to us at viewpoints@men-news. co.uk, marking them Picture of the Day.

HOW bad is coronavirus? Worse than flu? It’s killing the people that flu normally kills.

Banners showing support for the NHS

■ Just want to say how proud I am of everyone who works in the NHS and for all those who still have to go out to work whether in retail, home carers or whoever. Not everyone has the luxury of working from home.

Deano JC Power

■ Just like to say the NHS are doing a fantastic job, as are other frontline key workers who don’t seem to get a mention – supermarket staff, takeaway workers, and other workers who are not in the position to work from home.

Marcus Heslop

Perhaps now, at last, they’ll be fully appreciated rather than

■

Let’s keep washing our hands and giving people room, but can we please stop panicking and get back to work?

With falling fatality rates in China and Italy, it looks like most of us will be fine.

Barry Tighe, via email

demeaned as ‘low-skilled’. What an insult! They keep society running for everyone!

Paul Wilks

■ The NHS is priceless but don’t think for a minute it’s the lone ranger. This is a problem only solved by unity. Everyone needs to do their bit, and some.

Mark Sutherland

■ To everyone who still has to go out to work – such as the NHS, delivery drivers, teachers/ assistants, retail workers etc, you all work so hard and are putting yourselves at risk just so other people can get through this bad time. It’ so brave

Georgia Phoenix