All in this together? Panic-buying shows us up as a nation of selfish must-haves

I am in my 70s and would be regarded as one of the ‘at risk’ group, having several chronic conditions. But I am able to drive to buy supplies.

However, recent behaviour I have witnessed has been almost unbelievable, with the weaker and more vulnerable being pushed aside in the rush to stock up unnecessarily on many household items.

Shelves have been stripped of essentials, many of which I am sure will never be used and will pass their sell-by date.

So much for the pleas to ensure that those more vulnerable be considered and assisted; it has been every man for himself, and survival of the fittest is the new rule.

Being the age I am, I have experienced hardship and want, but in those days I was aware of neighbours helping each other and sharing everything. We now seem to have bred a species of selfish ‘must haves’ who care little for anyone else, so used are they to having everything on demand. Will we learn from this and come out the other side wiser and better human beings? I shall not hold my breath. Maggie Morse, Brynamman, Dyfed

This very difficult time is being seen as an opportunity by some

to trade on the hardship of others. Two such disgraceful examples occurred in my city. In one instance, the shopkeeper doubled the price of a packet of toilet rolls to £14, and in another a pensioner was charged a massive £25 for a bottle of hand sanitiser. N.F. Wright, Gateacre, Liverpool

The Government has told people to self-isolate. In response, millions are crowding into supermarkets to stock up, thereby creating the perfect environment for cross-contamination. If the Government were serious about self-isolation, they would make home delivery obligatory. Peter Couch, Plymouth

In these days of panic-buying in supermarkets, local convenience stores are a lifesaver for those who are elderly and not very mobile.

Many local shops are extending their opening hours during the coronavirus crisis, but the main benefit the local shop brings, beside personal service, is the sense of being a major part of the community.

When the virus passes, I hope shoppers will remember that corner shops served local communities long before supermarkets, and will continue to do so. Andrew Pettigrew, Haslingden, Lancashire