This refers to The National editorial To combat the coronavirus, stay at home – it is the responsible thing to do (March 23): the best counter to the threat of spreading the virus is awareness, calm and staying away from crowds. The world is failing in many areas such as trade, job security etc. However, the primary focus should be to save lives through co-ordinated effort. It is not the time for outings with friends and family. Stay indoors to reduce exposure, particularly to protect elders and children. We need to prepare for a fight to regain a good healthy tomorrow.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman
Across the board: what happens to students and their exams?
With reference to Jack Dutton's article Coronavirus: Cambridge International axes international A levels and GCSEs (March 24): I would like to know when Pearsons Edexcel and Oxford AQA will update us. We can't cancel one exam board and have two stay silent with no updates for four days. Surely it must be about consistency around the world.
Katherine Mcbride Atsma, Dubai
All boards should draw one line. We cannot leave students and parents in uncertainty and stress about whether they sit for the exams or not. All students should have equal chances.
Bianca Ashor-de Graaff, Dubai
Questions on the minds of non-resident Indians
With reference to Taniya Dutta's India observes world's biggest lockdown in fight against the coronavirus (March 22): the spread of Covid-19 is causing major disruptions in every country. Apart from being confined to their homes, people are unable to travel. Flights, both domestic and international, are suspended in many countries. For persons of Indian origin, an amendment to the Income Tax Act, the Finance Bill proposed reducing the period of stay in India to 120 days from 182 days earlier for them to be considered non-resident Indians. However, with the travel restrictions, a great deal of uncertainty has dawned upon non-resident Indians, who are unable to plan their movements. Hence, the government should postpone the provisions relating to the rules applicable for the eligibility of NRIs by one financial year. This will provide relief to the thousands of Indians who work abroad and remit their savings to their home country.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Film industry in India lends support to healthcare workers
With regards Janice Rodrigues's report Coronavirus: Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone and other Bollywood stars applaud workers following lockdown in India (March 23): India's recent curfew on Sunday, March 22 brought the film fraternity to their balconies to applaud the work of the medical professionals – all the nurses and volunteers. All good deeds should be applauded and I am happy that Bollywood acknowledged the great work done by these selfless people.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
