HOW refreshing it was to read the letter from Ian Mitchell (September 14). Like him, I fully acknowledge the Covid-19 threat but feel that we have lost a sense of perspective which has caused detriment to large swathes of the population suffering from other serious health conditions.

Two friends of mine have lost their lives to Covid-19. One was especially susceptible because a recent fight with cancer, which he appeared to have won, left him vulnerable. Their loss was hugely felt by many, so I have seen at first hand the ultimate potential consequences of this illness.

But, there are, as Mr Mitchell implies, people who are not able to access the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of other illnesses, which may have serious effects for their life expectations. NHS Lothian has acknowledged that waiting times for other treatments have grown even longer. No doubt, health boards across Scotland will be similarly affected.

This situation cannot be sustainable. At some stage I cannot see other than that we will have to learn to live with Covid-19, taking the precautions that we have all learned to live with over the last six months.

My mother had to move into a care home three months ago. I have spoken to her once since then by phone. My brother was able to meet her once in the grounds of the building. It was entirely unsatisfactory, conducted a distance apart, and mum, who suffers from dementia, continually trying to rip off her mask. She has been ill and as things stand it is likely she will die without us seeing her. This situation is not in any way the fault of the care home but the thought of not being there for her is not a pleasant prospect.

At some point, the Scottish Government will have to move out of reactive mode and set out a route map for the way ahead. Whatever, we cannot stay in this state of limbo indefinitely.

Charlie Burns, Edinburgh.

IT is surely about time that the term epidemic in relation to Covid 19 is replaced with the word endemic. It seems abundantly clear that this particular virus will be around for a very long time. That being the case why are our politicians behaving like headless chickens?

It seems like the hysteria around Covid-19 will never end. Every day seems to bring a change in policy and a further ramping up of the fear factor. Now seems like a sensible time for someone to realise that more testing, added with empty beds in the virus wards, can only mean that the numbers infected figures produced during the lockdown’s early stages of were hopeless underestimates.

With thousands unemployed, businesses collapsing and mental health problems soaring, it is time for us to get back to as near normal as we can. The price of fighting this virus is clearly one that we cannot afford to pay any longer.

If we do not reverse course soon the illicit gatherings and illegal raves will be the tip of the iceberg and anarchy in the streets a very real possibility.

Colin Green, Dumfries.