Indian hospitals need to be better equipped for Covid-19

Our readers have their say about India's coronavirus cases, hostage rescuers and poetry

Shopping malls, such as this one in Chennai, have been reopened after the Indian government recently eased a nationwide lockdown. AFP

I write to you in reference to the article Global Covid-19 cases cross 25 million as India sets grim record (August 31):

Covid-19 continues to affect more and more people. India has now become the first country in the world to record 80,000 cases in a single day. What's worse is that the disease is spreading to the rural areas of India, where it will be more difficult to treat people appropriately.

Controlling the spread is easier said than done. State governments are easing restrictions on movement, so that the economic machinery does not grind to a complete halt. This is a necessary step, given that people need to make a living.

In such a scenario, governments should focus on mass testing, so that infection can be detected in the early stages. Masks should be made mandatory. Some social-distancing needs to be enforced. Simultaneously, public and private hospital facilities need augmenting in order to reduce fatalities.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Parental leave is a welcome move

I write to you in reference to the National Editorial Paid leave for new fathers is a welcome step (September 1): having been a UAE-based expat before, this move by the government doesn't surprise me at all. It reflects the progressive Emirati mindset and benefits the unit we call "family".

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

We need to read more stories about the hostage rescuers

I write to you in reference to Nicky Harley's article Last hostages held by Somali pirates released after five and a half years (August 31): it is great to read about how John Steed and his colleagues put their lives at risk in order to free forgotten hostages. These are the people – who selflessly devote their time and energy for the lives of others – whom we should be reading, hearing and learning more about. This is positive news and a welcome development in a world with so much negativity.

Lorraine Ludman, Dubai

Poetry can help resolve religious conflict

I write to you in reference to Gavin Esler's article Poetry is worth studying, even if it turns out it's not for you (August 31): religions are based on scripture, which is mostly poetry. So it only makes sense that religious conflict be resolved through poetry, and not through politics, negotiation, or war. I propose that all religious conflicts be redefined poetically, so that they can be resolved without bloodshed, winners, or losers. So let's sharpen our words not our swords, send missives not missiles, and apply our minds to metaphor, simile, rhyme, meter, and prosody, but not pomposity, animosity, ferocity, atrocity, or monstrosity.

Hugh Mann