Twin crises
Leading nursing figures tell us that so much of the essential Covid-19 safety equipment is not in the front line yet. This is an absolute scandal.
Yet in the absence of a serious Labour leader, the government’s popularity up to now has not been dented. That may now change and the public will then be more inclined to ask questions about how well this government has done so far. And for the future, we all need to consider questions about the economic escape route.
Perhaps once we pass the peak we can gradually get sectors of the economy back while using a thorough South Korean approach to testing, finding new outbreaks and isolating patients and their friendship groups immediately.
This government (rattled by press and medical criticism) are promising the Moon – 100,000 tests, and antibody tests as well. They need to get serious. Playing things for popularity is very yesterday.
We have two crises: coronavirus and a likely economic depression. I would prefer to hear their step-by-step approach to working through these tunnels than hear that we will get the Moon tomorrow. I’d find the truth refreshing, sort of different.
Testing our way out of this seems unrealistic. That bird has flown for the moment. But
it may fit into a longer game as part of a coherent strategy. Onwards and upwards.
ANDREW VASS Corbiehill Place, Edinburgh
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Clydesdale Bank has taken the initiative to reverse its closure programme announced in February this year.
One of these branches is the Dingwall Clydesdale bank. Had this shut, customers would be faced with a 13-mile trip to Inverness to get an open branch.
It would be helpful if TSB and Bank of Scotland branches would follow this initiative and reverse their closures also.
MICHAEL BAIRD Dornoch Road, Bonar Bridge
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, there is one uplifting thought to ponder.
This summer the streets of Scotland will not be polluted by marches – no All Under One Banner nationalist hatefests, no Extinction Rebellion groups outside our hospitals or hectoring lectures from teenage Swedes, no Orange Walks or Irish Republican marches.
ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh
Cars are off the road and aircraft no longer fly. Businesses are closed and individual liberty is curtailed. Could this be what a zero-carbon economy might be like? If so, we can now decide if pursuing that goal is worth the inconvenience. MALCOLM PARKIN Kinnesswood, Kinross
The Scotsman welcomes letters for publication – 300 words maximum – from all sides of public debate. Include date and page when referring to an article, avoid ‘Letters to the Editor in e-mail subject line. No attachments. We reserve the right to edit letters. Send submissions, with full address and phone number, to:
❚ lettersts@scotsman.com ❚ The Editor, The Scotsman, 30 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH4 2HS;