Editorial Comment
SIR – We recently returned from Adeje in Tenerife. Although we were not staying in the infected hotel, we were only about a mile from the area.
Some passengers were expecting to be tested when we arrived at Luton. While this may have proved problematic, it wouldn’t have been beyond the wit of man to provide leaflets with reminders and advice to guide us through the following days.
Although we haven’t entirely self-isolated, we have cancelled all “close contact” engagements until next week. I hope that we are doing the right thing. Jenny Cornes
London N20
SIR – Those who suggest that all elderly or retired people should protect themselves from coronavirus by self-isolating (report, March 3) fail to understand that the elderly oil the wheels of many parts of society.
They are often the ones who collect children from school or care for them after school, so that parents can work.
Stately homes, art galleries and many National Trust properties rely on their help as guides. Churches, clubs such as Scouts and Girl Guides, toddler groups and friendship groups for lonely people depend on volunteers, who are often older or retired individuals with skills from a lifetime of work and ample free time. The same is true of many other charities.
Society is so interdependent that simply cutting out one group has a huge knock-on effect. Jonathan Longstaff
Buxted, East Sussex
SIR – I am 77 and have put myself in isolation. I think it is the only responsible thing to do. If the virus spreads like wildfire, then NHS resources should concentrate on the younger generations.
I can order everything I need on the internet, read books, watch films, talk to friends on the phone and catch up with all the jobs in the house that should have been done a long time ago. Am I depressed? Not at all. When we have better weather, I can spend time in my garden. Moira Carpenter
Botley, Hampshire
SIR – Why isn’t the Government making sure that enough hand gel is manufactured to keep up with current demand? No shops have any left, and when my husband tried to buy some on the internet, it was £24 for 100ml.
If you are arranging a gathering, it should be mandatory to provide it – but this is proving impossible. Hilary Fox
Whipsnade, Bedfordshire
SIR – Avoiding kissing and handshakes is wise. But why employ the “Wuhan shake” (report, March 3)?
Servicemen of every generation are familiar with exchanging compliments – greeting, and acknowledging that greeting – by saluting. This requires no skin contact, but preserves cordiality and confirms respect. Major John Urquhart (retd)
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk