With reference to Katy Gillett's story Artists paint parking meters in Dubai to add splash of colour to a diverse city – in pictures (March 12): it would be nice if they did that in Abu Dhabi as well.
Sylvester Canaria Sorio, Abu Dhabi
Optimism in the time of the virus
Regarding the report Coronavirus latest: US declares national emergency as global deaths pass 5,000 (March 14): the article elaborately analysed the on going coronavirus threat and the global casualties and was good, informative read. Today the task before the World Health Organisation and all countries is to control the spread of the virus and prevent further casualties ideally by inventing a cure that is accessible and affordable to all infected.
This virus has not only caused deaths but has also resulted in huge loss for the entire globe. Tourism, trade, the sport and entertainment industries too have been greatly affected. I am happy that the UAE has taken steps to protect its people and also offered humanitarian help to other countries. Let's hope everyone affected recovers.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
The time for online learning has arrived
The National's coverage of education has been great as usual. With reference to Mary Ames's piece Coronavirus: how Covid-19 hastened the arrival of a once distant learning dream (March 12): despite schools having good plans in place with regards to distance learning, they are going to struggle against a natural barrier of having to attempt to teach 28 students at once. This regrettably will lead to a learning dip of those students. We have closed our doors physically but have the software and learning platform to be able to offer a unique learning environment for UAE students – face-to-face or online lessons with our fully qualified teachers. It will give them a chance to speak with, question and interact with a teacher in real time.
Parents will realise that these four weeks will impact their children's learning immensely – even more so if the at home period is extended.
Simon Hetherington, director, Kip McGrath Education Centres, Abu Dhabi
