YOU report on the possibility of large gatherings being banned because of the coronavirus ("Coronavirus outbreak could lead to ban on large gatherings", The Herald, February 26).

The situation we are in is analogous to that faced by the Chinese government just before the New Year festival. It knew the virus existed but it was too much trouble and cost to stop everything before there was clear evidence of the spread of cases. So it waited, just as we are doing now. Yet we know that once the virus takes off it is extremely difficult to stop.

The simple message is that if the Government is going to act decisively on testing, quarantining, limits on travel and closing public spaces it should do it now. At the very least it needs an immediate public information campaign on hygiene, hand washing, avoidance of touch and working from home. There is nothing to be gained from waiting.

Professor Greg Philo, Glasgow University.

PAUL Lewis's letter (February 26) regarding personal hygiene and its present imperative importance and his suggestion for a poster campaign reminded me of a similar campaign from many years ago. Then the slogan was "coughs and sneezes spread diseases".

As a simple but effective statement, could this be resurrected for this current threat from coronavirus?

Ian Gray, Croftamie.

PAUL Lewis highlights several sound measures to combat the current health scare. However, his suggestion that persons disregarding good hygiene practice should be challenged might prove unwise. Perhaps by disengaging in the growing trend of wrap-around hugging and kissing antics when persons meet would prove more productive. Equally by resurrecting usage of the once-popular hankie instead of totally inadequate tissues spread of infection could be contained.

Allan C Steele, Giffnock.

I SHARE Paul Lewis’s concern over the perfunctory hand -washing antics seen in public toilets,and the consequent spread of bacteria and viruses to some air dryers and door handles.

It is not easy to manipulate the standard door handle with the least-used little finger of either hand and my contortions have occasioned some funny looks.

Confucius (551BC-479BC), may have observed that a swinging chain denotes a warm seat, but in the 21st century a swinging door means fewer germs.

R Russell Smith, Kilbirnie.