We don’t prepare for freak weather, likewise Covid-19
George Curley says the UK is in crisis not because of Covid but because the NHS has been so starved of cash it can’t cope with the impact of the virus (MetroTalk, Wed).
If we accept that coronavirus is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence then no organisation, particularly one funded by the taxpayer, is going to be funded on the basis that this is the new normal.
The oft-quoted example is snowploughs. Very occasionally, more will be needed than are available but why would the taxpayer fund vehicles that for maybe eight years out of ten would simply sit gathering dust?
Some may want more to be spent on public services but even more don’t want to pay more tax.
This is the debate we should be having – either we all pay more tax to fund public services and accept a reduced standard of living or we accept that we don’t pay more tax and leave public services short of funds sometimes. The notion that somehow someone else will pay for it is just too naive for words.
John Daniels, Redhill
K Jacques complains that under-35s are causing the spread of Covid (MetroTalk, Tue). Everyone wants to blame our generation even though we are trying to enjoy the last of our freedom in a world riddled with debt thanks to the likes of people with enough income to play golf. The older generations need to stop complaining and move along.
Patrick, Newcastle
Does K Jacques really believe being unable to play golf will be harmful to one’s health? You would get the same amount of exercise by going for a walk and waving your arms at a few people. Golf is a skilful and enjoyable game but it provides about as much exercise as bingo.
Mick, London
Mark Iles cites Cuba and Vietnam as having low Covid rates because their citizens are self-disciplined (MetroTalk, Wed). He forgets to mention that the people living there live under dictatorial rule and have no choice. They are forced to behave as they are told. Here, you can more or less do as you please. No one will challenge you.
Greg, Glasgow
I agree that colleges and universities should be closed during lockdown. Schoolchildren are more likely to obey the rules, while students don’t and won’t. It’s clear to see in town centres – they don’t wear masks and they don’t socially distance.
My daughter works in a college where the students totally disregard the rules but sadly the principal does too so you can’t expect the young people to do the right thing if there’s no proper leadership.
Irene Kennedy, Dorset
I’m assuming that those who advocate ‘herd immunity’ as their preferred choice of dealing with Covid-19 have volunteered themselves and their loved ones for this, or are they hoping that other people and their families will catch Covid-19 to build up the herd immunity?
Colin Hastie, London
To the lady who spent a huge amount of time trying to convince me that ‘this whole coronavirus thing is a hoax’ and asking me why I was wearing a mask – thank you but keep your story to yourself. People like you are the main reason why England is having another lockdown.
Bimbo, Milton Keynes
So people like Janine and Laura are blaming schools, colleges and universities for the increasing numbers of people testing positive for Covid-19 (MetroTalk, Tue). They must have a short memory.
What about the people who crowded the beaches and parks at the first sign of warm weather?
Then there was Eat Out To Help Out. Oh, and don’t forget the protesters not social distancing or wearing face masks. Also, all the people holding illegal raves and house parties.
You can’t blame schools, colleges and universities for everything.
Judith Dunkley, via email
Why are schools being blamed for the virus? How have children caught it? From adult relatives going to parties and visiting friends and family.
As for universities, where were the students before they started partying and eating out?