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12

For a better tomorrow

 

It is a fact that the lockdown has controlled the spread of the coronavirus to a great extent. But it has to continue for some more weeks. In certain areas, where there are lesser number of cases, the lockdown can be relaxed for sure (‘Trick and treat’, April 12).

There is a severe shortage of hospital beds in most states, and this has to be addressed at the earliest. We need to have designated Covid-19 hospitals in all states. In my opinion, at least five 100-bed hospitals in every state. Converting train coaches into isolation wards is not a permanent solution.

The elderly are highly vulnerable and they need to be shielded. Economic crisis, from the spread of Covid-19, has to be addressed shortly. At the right time, people should come out of their homes with confidence.

Tapesh Nagpal,

On email.

 

It was good to know that India is ramping up production of ventilators. Domestic manufacturers should produce as many ventilators as possible, as it is a dire emergency. Even if the number of Covid-19 cases come down, we should continue to produce many ventilators on a daily basis.

You do not have to wait for a calamity to strike to think on these lines. We should have had sufficient ventilators in the first place.

Tanushri Nagori,

On email.

 

The coronavirus infection curve has started to flatten in some states, but there are so many cases coming from some other states. Money should keep flowing smoothly to all sectors in the days to come. Even if the lockdown is lifted, we should ensure that social distancing norms are maintained for some more months.

Narayanan Nambiar,

On email.

 

Don’t criticise it

It is unfortunate that Ramachandra Guha is finding fault over the contributions being made to the PM CARES Fund (‘Point blank’, April 12). The noble gestures of some people in contributing to the PM CARES Fund should not be viewed from the miniature prism.

Further, Covid-19 is not an epidemic, but a pandemic. If we have reservations over such generous contributions, let us not criticise, if not appreciate it.

Local issues are of paramount importance and people, who keep a tab on donors, can strive hard to persuade people in their areas to contribute.

M. Shanti Kumar,

On email.

 

Give them salary

R. Prasannan has rightly pointed out that we sinned by going into a shutdown without sparing a thought for those who cannot shut themselves out (‘PMO Beat’, April 12).

A way to make up would be to pay such workers for March and April.

Gurjas Chahal,

On email.

 

A ploy?

Your report on China trying to save face by offering medical support to Covid-19 affected countries was insightful (‘Behind the mask’, April 12). I did not know that the masks, gloves and other supplies given by China were priced and not aid, and that the public-private partnership, which is getting these shipments into the US from China, is led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

All this, if read in conjunction, points towards the pandemic being the superpowers’ way of taking the world on a ride, while they are minting money.

Ansh Chahal,

On email.

 

Stay positive, eat less

It is difficult spending time only at home during lockdown (‘Bitter chocolate’, April 12). During the pandemic many are going through helplessness and anxiety. But it is important to stay positive during the period and have faith in nature and God.

Some of us are not exercising at all during this period, which is not good. Let us practice yoga and do exercises regularly at home. It is good to eat less and be on a spiritual high during this time.

Vikas Asthana,

On email.

 

Call Montek back

Montek Singh Ahluwalia was one of the best economists we have had in the country (‘M & M’, April 12). The NDA government at the Centre should use services of people like Ahluwalia to come out of the economic mess that we are in now.

Tigin Thomas,

On email.

 

Now that the economy in the country is in a mess, it is right to request people like Ahluwalia and Raghuram Rajan to help the Central government overcome the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vrinda Gopi,

On email.

 

Be proactive

I do not think India has lost any goodwill in south Asia (‘Neighbourhood watch’, April 12). When different countries tackle a pandemic together the results are any day far better. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation should take a proactive approach when it comes to dealing with such crises.

The Covid-19 crisis is an opportunity for Pakistan to improve its relations with India. It also goes on to say that India calls the shots in this part of the world.

P.K. Keshavan,

On email.

 

Pakistanis have this fixation with Kashmir. In the video conference, the Pakistani representatives chose to bring up Kashmir. Pakistan should know well that such matters cannot be discussed in a meeting convened to discuss the pandemic. Pakistan should completely forget about Kashmir and improve the situation in its own country.

Gaurav Mehta,

On email.