Coronavirus: Stop this Donald Trump ‘blame game’ over cause of pandemic

MIKE Ridgway’s invective regarding China’s role in the spread of Covid-19 is worthy of Donald Trump and every bit as ignorant (The Yorkshire Post, March 21).

Has he witnessed “the appalling standards of animal husbandry and food hygiene that exist in China” at first hand or has he just come to that conclusion for himself?

China’s ability to construct a complete hospital in such a short time indicates it is a hyper-modern country and, with such densely populated cities, I would expect health and hygiene regulations to be just as stringent as ours. He appears unaware the disease is thought to have crossed from animals, possibly bats, via the “exotic” meats available on markets.

Disease organisms, bacteria and viruses are like weeds. They can flourish anywhere there is a suitable niche. Add to this their tendency to evolve rapidly and we have the potential for epidemics and even pandemics like the current one.

The blame for the current pandemic can, firstly, be laid upon trade. As with the Black Death in the 14th century, it has followed trade routes.

Secondly, governments have failed to prepare. The austerity mentality has meant the NHS is not equipped to deal with this outbreak. There also appears to an element of complacency in our Government.

Thirdly, human nature causes us to cluster together, even when we are told it could be fatal, helping the contagion. Rather than seeking to blame someone, we should be thinking constructively. How can we do our bit to avoid becoming infected while preventing its spread? The instructions have been given loud and clear. Let’s follow them.

From: J Shaw, Menston.

MY husband and I (85 and 80) help to look after his disabled cousin by doing an online shop every fortnight. He has recently been in hospital so has not needed this help.

Now he is home and we have tried to get a delivery or collect slot to no avail. This means that we, as vulnerable people, have to go to the supermarket, risking our own health.

We have ordered regularly from Asda for him for several years. I realise supermarkets are under great pressure to help everyone but I can’t help but think that some of these slots are taken by people who don’t really need them and could release them for vulnerable people.

From: Kenneth A Gledhill, Harrogate.

JO Churchill’s article (The Yorkshire Post, March 24) recognised the NHS contributions of Allied Health Care professionals. May I add to her list the long established support of pharmacists, both in primary and secondary care.

The battle for our roads