Coronavirus: there is a reason why there aren't too many cases in the UAE

Our readers have their say coronavirus, displaced Syrians, eating habits and an Indian politician who changed sides

A cleaner wipes down escalator hand rails at the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

With reference to Chris Maxwell's report Coronavirus: UAE announces 15 new cases (March 10): it mainly affects the 50+ age group, most endangered around 80 or people with chronic diseases and weak immune systems. We are a rather young population here in UAE which explains to me why it is a relatively low number so far.

Martina Venus, Dubai

It is not as fatal a disease as other outbreaks were. But the reason fearing most is that there is no precautionary measure to date. No vaccine is developed as yet. Only precautionary measures could be adopted. And a normal flu could take a detrimental form.

Zarmeen Ijaz Ul Haq, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The number announced seems similar each day for the past several days. Would be helpful to know which emirates at the very least. Matters of public health should be made public knowledge.

Suzanne Arruda, Dubai

Spare a thought for the plight of displaced Syrians

With reference to Liz Cookman's report Greek border crisis: why Syrians don't want to stay in Turkey (March 10): how good would it be if they could come and live in UAE where there is work and peace.

Habib Rahim Hazim, Dubai

I wonder if most people are even aware of what's happening in Syria. When you protest and in return your own government (with the support of others) drops bombs and chemical weapons on your head for years, how do you fight that?

Majdel Musa, Dubai

The modern diet: it is not the food that is to blame but people's choices

With reference to the report Modern diet to blame for increased risk of colon cancer among younger UAE population, say experts (March 9): don't blame the diet, blame the people who eat the food. They are the ones with a choice and all the knowledge and education a civilised world could wish for.

Martin Ian, Dubai

Indian politics: a big figure changes parties, sides with Modi

This is with regards to the recent development in Indian politics. A Congress leader's defection to the ruling BJP after spending 18 years in the grand old party is a dramatic turn of events. As if there was not already a question mark on the future of the Congress party, Jyotiraditya Scindia's departure may pave way for other young aspirant leaders to do so. His leaving indicates a lack of will to promote young leaders in the Congress as well as the frustrations of old loyalists. Will the party revive its strategy without dynasty politics to re-establish itself?

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India