Scientists worldwide should combine their efforts to fight coronavirus

Our readers have their say on covid-19, smartwatches, British universities and Ramadan during lockdown

Nine hospitals in Malaysia will soon start drug trials for a vaccine for coronavirus, as part of the global research effort launched by the World Health Organisation. Getty Images

I write to you in reference to your coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 has reached a total of 210 countries and territories. Across the globe, more than 1.6 million people have tested positive for the virus, and nearly 400,000 have recovered.

The World Health Organisation must study closely the treatment used on those who recovered. Moreover, a number of doctors, scientists and organisations – including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – are putting all their efforts into finding a vaccine for the coronavirus. If the scientists and institutions across the world engaged in this pursuit could pool their efforts together and share information freely, the world will benefit immensely.

The WHO is rightly taking leadership in both these areas, and becoming a repository of all coronavirus data.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Stay safe and stay in, or else you risk infection

I write to you in reference to your article Coronavirus: 129 people face fines for defying home quarantine (April 11). The government has ordered people to remain at home for their own safety. We have to follow the authorities' guidelines.

Jemil Nadew, Abu Dhabi

Clean your watches to stay germ-free

I write to you in reference to Janice Rodrigues's article You smartwatch may be 30 times dirtier than a toilet seat, according to a new study (April 11). It is common sense to wipe your smartwatch clean with alcohol every night before going to bed, or at least after use. This is an important step not only for smartwatches but also for other wrist watches. If the material is delicate, use anti-bacterial wet wipes.

Name withheld by request

Prepare yourself for the worst, and you will never be disappointed

I write to you in reference to Nicky Harley's article Zoom Iftar launched to unite millions during Ramadan coronavirus lockdown (April 10).

It is better to be prepared for the worst than to be caught off guard and disappointed. I hope the situation will improve by the first day of Ramadan, due in less than two weeks, but you simply cannot know for sure. This is why I am prepared mentally and emotionally (not in terms of hoarding goods) to spend Ramadan in lockdown.

Alissar EL, Dubai