Our NHS staff are standing up to be counted over coronavirus, it's time the government did too

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At a time when so many of the population face what is literally an existential threat, it is very hard to think of life beyond the coronavirus, but perhaps if anything good is going to come out of the crisis it is the below.

Over the last couple of weeks, two important issues have emerged. The first is the extraordinary bravery and commitment of the NHS staff. The second is that government strategies to deal with the virus have been chosen as the only tactic that our shamelessly under-resourced health service has a remote chance of coping with.

That is why this moment is key. Some of us are now facing the very real prospect of catching this virus and ending up in hospital – even potentially dying.

Let us all hold this terrifying thought, etch it onto our minds and vow that never again will we allow politicians to expose our fantastic health professionals to such appalling risks and to treat our health service in such a negligent way.

M T Harris Grimsby

The media continue to describe our NHS and their battle against Covid-19 using references to war. The doctors themselves have now retorted with Dr Rinesh Parmar describing the staff as “cannon fodder” on Sunday’s Andrew Marr Show.

This situation is a barbaric crime on our NHS staff. Austerity is coming home to roost in 2020 with a vengeance.

It is a national disgrace.

Paul Morrison Glasgow

It is obvious that NHS staff in hospitals need the equipment and clothing to protect them and access to the tests but they also need wholesome food to sustain them through long, demanding shifts.

Canteens are available during the day for staff and visitors but usually close before 6pm. Staff should have access to subsidised food during these strenuous working days and nights. They should be the norm, not just during this pandemic, as NHS staff have to be ready for all emergencies – accidents, fires, climate calamities at a moments notice.

They are there for us, the public, and we should make sure that the politicians do not let them down.

Julia Rosser Eccleston

Key workers for how long?

It is gratifying to see the government is recognising how our community depends on the commitment and dedicated professionalism of teachers, NHS staff, police, care workers and other lowly paid public servants.

An hour’s start in the supermarket is surely welcome, but will they still be “key workers” once the Covid-19 crisis is over and it is time to negotiate their fair rate of pay?

Tim Rubidge Salisbury

Old faces

Boris Johnson looks increasingly inadequate to deal with the problems being caused by Covid-19. Surely this is a time for putting aside party politics, and create a national government as there was for the Second World War?

There are far too many inexperienced MPs. We need to have older and wiser heads to counter any extreme measures that may curtail civil liberties.

As calls are made for retired NHS staff to return to the front line, might I suggest the same is done for government?

Sandra Kelly Worthing

Can’t remember

Try as I might, I just can’t bring to mind the name of who, on learning of the coronavirus restrictions being imposed, stated publicly: “If I want to go to the pub for a drink I will go to the pub for a drink.”

Thank goodness none of his kith and kin are involved with the campaign in any way.

Ian Wingfield Bamford