260 tonnes to 23 countries: the UAE has flown aid out and also helped out at home

Our readers have their say on UAE sending aid, the opening of malls, and what about the poor who can't afford sanitiser and social distancing?

Aid from the UAE leaves for Iran

In reference to Kelly Clarke's report Coronavirus: UAE sends 260 tonnes of aid to 23 nations (April 23): look within also. There are so many people who have joined hands to support their communities in the UAE, the majority of them Asians. Volunteers putting themselves at risk, people providing food packages for others when they don't have enough money themselves and of course, the Emiratis doing their bit as well. Heart warming.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Be sensible: malls reopening isn't an invite to flock to them

Regarding Nyree McFarlane's report Dubai Mall to re-open on Tuesday, Mall of the Emirates now partially open (April 25): I request my fellow residents that even though the authorities have lifted the lockdown for our convenience, we must be responsible. We must continue taking precautions and adhere strictly to the guidelines. This is about everyone's well-being, including our own.

Mahesh Khiara, Dubai

Thanks to efficient testing, cases everyday go over 500 a day. That should be reason enough for people to remain vigilant and not flout rules. I am curious to know how the authorities are going to manage the crowds. We all need to be cautious.

Owais Bazaz, Dubai

The Ministry of Health knows better than anyone about the Covid-19 situation in the UAE. Without speculating, if they are allowing people to go out for some hours it must be because we are safe. One day or another we will have to go back to normal daily life. The lockdown is not supposed to last forever. I am so glad that we are winning this fight and things are going back to normal.

Danielle Pessoa Lemes, Dubai 

No, thanks. I am going to stay safe at home for a while longer. Everyone should if they can help it.

Kareen Ferrary, Dubai 

Social distancing is all very well but what if hygiene is a luxury?

With reference to Gillian Duncan's report Coronavirus: what the Spanish flu taught the world about how to respond to a pandemic (April 20): the writer underscores correctly that now there is a greater awareness of hygiene and sanitation than there was 100 years ago. Covid-19 has taught everyone the importance of washing hands, using sanitisers, even sanitising door knobs and elevator buttons, etc. Those who have the money to buy various hygiene and sanitising products can boost their immunity against any infection.

However, what about the global population that lives on daily wages? There are millions of migrant workers, for example, in India who are stranded in various cities, who have not been able to make it to their homes in the villages due to the lockdown. They are desperate for food and shelter. I wonder how they will spare money for sanitisers and tissues when they do not even have money to buy food.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai