Why haven’t we learnt from a year of living with virus?

Why is the current response to COVID infections as economically and socially disruptive, and as panic stricken, as it was a year ago? Why has our response not been mediated by the huge changes in health responses, hospitalisations and deaths? (Zero confidence in hapless Qld health authority, 31/3) Last March most infections were among the elderly, who had the highest death rates albeit they never rose above 3 per cent. We were also only beginning to understand how to treat severe reactions and a vaccine was not on the horizon. Forward a year; the minuscule rates of infections are primarily among fit young and middle-aged adults, ICU bed usage is so low as to no longer be recorded separately from general hospitalisation admissions, and there has not been a single death from or with COVID in the past six months. Yet governments still react as if the virus were more deadly than just about anything any of us could imagine. Why?

Maggie Woodhead, Beaconsfield, WA

It is both informative and interesting to compare the efficiency and zeal with which the authorities pursue the enforcement and collection of fines for breaches of COVID-19 protocols with the bungling inefficiency of the vaccination program. In many ways this behaviour resembles the collection of speeding fines with the repair of potholes in the road or the collection of income tax with the delivery of government ser­vices. It is a pity that our better bureaucrats are not promoted to the delivery, rather than the revenue side, of the public service.

Ken Moxham, Urrbrae, SA

Always amusing watching people who don’t understand supply and demand talk about supply and demand. If the COVID vaccine isn’t in the country because of restricted export from producing countries, is anyone surprised the vaccination program has fallen behind? CSL has come on line, we will get vaccinated. Can everyone settle down? Journalists could help by understanding the basics of supply and demand before they write their searing story.

Murray Horne, Cressy Vic

Jacinda Ardern’s once respected, even honoured, New Zealand Labor government has incredulously turned its back not only on Australia but on the entire Western world, which has rightfully condemned the World Health Organisation administered pathetic inquiry into the COVID-19 outbreak. With even the WHO questioning the transparency, honesty and validity of its latest findings from Wuhan, New Zealand stands alone among Western nations in total acceptance of China’s compliance and truthfulness over this viral tsunami.

Lyle Geyer, Essendon, Vic

Over the years waves of migrants have contributed significantly to this country. In the wake of the pandemic I believe any working holiday-maker or temporary resident who stayed in Australia through the pandemic and who wants citizenship should be provided the opportunity.

Greg Adamson, Griffith, NSW

We as a nation will be judged on how we have treated our elderly and disabled during the pandemic, particularly those in aged-care facilities. There seem to be double standards for those who reside in these facilities, the overwhelming majority of whom have been upstanding citizens, war veterans, who have made contributions to society and who, through no fault of their own, are seeing out their final days in a home. These people are well-loved members of the community and deserve better than to be a political football in the vaccine war.

Gaye Sprintall, Mudgeeraba, Qld

I am not a COVID-19 denier. Nor am I against the vaccination program. In fact, I can’t wait to roll up my sleeve. However, I am troubled by the paranoia that some political leaders and media outlets have created in the once laid-back public. I witnessed this paranoia in Brisbane several hours after the lockdown ended: a man wearing a mask under his helmet riding his motorbike; car drivers wearing a mask despite being alone; and many outdoor exercisers wearing a mask in wide open spaces. This paranoia needs to stop.

James Carroll, Hawthorne, Qld

The WHO’s inspection of the Wuhan Institute of Virology uncovered nothing of interest apart from a few dozen bat breeding cages.

Paul Haege, Darling Point, NSW