How long will the EU prioritise open borders over disease prevention?
sir – The Schengen Agreement is the perfect policy to implement if you wish to spread any contagious virus.
The coronavirus has reached Europe and will now fly – yet the EU is reluctant to close its borders. Clearly its blinkered devotion to the rules comes above all else. Mick Ferrie
Mawnan Smith, Cornwall
sir – May we be clear that “pandemic” refers to the spread, not the devastation, of a disease?
The geographic coverage is not synonymous with “global disaster”. John Buckland
Iwerne Minster, Dorset
sir – Given the Covid-19 transmission rate, I wonder how many infected children will be returning to school from a short break abroad with parents during half term. None, I hope. William Blake
Clun, Shropshire sir – I am astonished by the number of people I have seen in photographs wearing masks but not gloves. These are a tried-and-tested means of preventing the spread of disease. Geoff Lowden
Wimborne, Dorset
sir – Having spent a fair bit of time in Africa in recent years, and witnessed the large numbers of Chinese people there, I’m amazed there are no recorded cases of the coronavirus. Robin Beckett
Singapore
sir – Is the spread of the coronavirus on a cruise ship a wake-up call to carriers, ships or aircraft to install more effective air purification systems? These could include Hepa filters and ultraviolet light, as used in hospitals.
If these are not thought to work, there would seem to be a business opportunity to develop an effective air purification system. Eirwen Sykes
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire sir – A recent study found that the plastic personal effects trays used in security checks at airports contained viruses and bacteria more harmful than those in airport lavatories.
These trays are not washed frequently, so passengers should carry antibacterial spray to administer to the tray and their hands before and after passing through security. Fiona Thomas
Grosmont, Monmouthshire
sir – In some supermarkets in the United States there are antibacterial wipes available by the trolley areas to wipe the trolley handle before use. This seems like a very sensible idea. Shouldn’t it be taken up by supermarkets here? Barry Van Loen
London E18
sir – If all airliners were grounded for 28 days, the coronavirus would be severely hampered in its progress. Michael Luckin
High Easter, Essex