Viral etiquette

sir – Now that there is a real risk that some of us may become infected with the coronavirus, can we all agree to stop shaking hands when we meet?

As for the social kiss on each cheek, do not even think about it. Dr Michael Pegg

Esher, Surrey

sir – During the early days of the Sars outbreak I was travelling to Singapore.

On the flight, all passengers were issued with landing cards requiring name, passport details, residence while in Singapore and duration of stay.

We were also told to enter the aircraft flight reference, our seat number, where we joined the aircraft and details of every country visited in the previous fortnight.

On disembarking, passengers were individually screened by thermalimaging cameras on the walkway from plane to terminal to check for anyone with a raised temperature. Each of the airport staff had a sticker on their uniform with that day’s date and their temperature.

Singapore’s authorities also covered the wages of anyone suffering from Sars, encouraging those feeling unwell to be screened, so minimising the chance of them spreading the virus. Jim Anderson

Crieff, Perthshire

sir – I am disturbed to see photographs of hundreds of people wearing masks to protect against the coronavirus.

As a virus is a hundred times smaller than a bacterium, few masks give any protection and the wearer will be lulled into a false sense of security.

The only people really to benefit are the mask manufacturers (who are, in many cases, Chinese). John Roberts

Wokingham, Berkshire Ambridge unplugged sir – Like Felicity Thomson (Letters, February 11), I used to measure the seasons by episodes of The Archers, from January marmalade-making, through the summer fête, to the Christmas panto. No more.

Tired of the current storylines, unreal plots and indistinguishable new characters, I switched off in August and haven’t listened since, despite having spent more than 50 years as a loyal fan.

I feel much better and less regularly annoyed. William T Nuttall

Rossendale, Lancashire