The deeply tragic loss of life throughout the world, attributable to the virus Covid-19, cannot be overestimated.

The exact cause is open to certain speculation by noted scientists and academics. One primary theory being attributable to bats and the subsequent transference of the virus to the highly endangered wild animal pangolin; its meat is considered a delicacy by some and its scales are used for questionable medicinal purposes.

China has a devastating reputation for endangering the lives of ancient animal species, such as the magnificent African elephant with their valuable tusks, to fulfil highly unjustifiable and outdated medical practices.

There is no clear indication that China’s outdoor barbaric wet markets will be banned throughout its territory nor will it stop its hospitals using unproven medial practices.

Clearly there must be a form of verbal retribution, employed by many enlightened countries, against such antiquated practices in China. That country and in particular its leadership must accept it is responsible for the plague that now so devastatingly affects us all. The unfortunate reality exists however that many countries’ economies, including the UK’s, are inextricably linked to China and so we should not hold our breath that much change will occur.

The appreciation of our superb NHS by many in the UK is now well recognised, including that of our Prime Minister, whose life was saved by dedicated practitioners in that organisation. It is somewhat unnerving however to realise that in 2017 Boris Johnson, amongst many other Tory MPs, voted against giving public workers, including nurses, a measly 1 per cent pay rise.

If we are to be considered a civilized society it is time we recognise the great value that public workers bring to our society and we must counteract the belittling of their value to us all.

I am clapping outdoors at 8.00pm on a Thursday evening. I do so in recognition of all the invaluable workers that improve the quality of my and the vast majority of people’s lives. I can be nothing but totally grateful!

Francis Durham

Shepherds Way, Rickmansworth