Mother in Abu Dhabi delivering lessons in how to share blessings over Ramadan

Our readers have their say on the spirit of Ramadan and sharing your blessings, fixing fitness equipment and governments footing the bill to get everyone tested

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 30, 2020.   
 Filipino woman, Mona Mohamed Baraguir who donates rice, eggs, cooking oil and other daily essentials to laid off workers.
Mona with her children, (L-R) Fares-9, Hamed Khalifa-15,  Ali-13 and Saed- 11. Victor Besa / The National
Section:  NA
Reporter:  Shireena Al Nuwais
Powered by automated translation

A lesson in how to share blessings this Ramadan

Regarding Shireena Al Nowais's article Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi mother helps to feed hundreds hit hard by Covid-19 (May 2): May her actions encourage others to help the less fortunate during this blessed month of Ramadan and after.

John Prescott, Abu Dhabi

This country is rich in so many ways. Wonderful caring people.

Cheryl Murray, Abu Dhabi

Well done and Ramadan Kareem.

Terrena Ever Young, Abu Dhabi 

We are proud of her because she is trying her best to help our fellow people, our kabayan. She has set an example of how you share your blessings.

Jhoe Quitalib, Dubai 

A gap in the market to repair fitness equipment

I write to you in reference to Katy Gillett's article Spinning bikes and kettlebells are selling out: here's how to get hold of home gym equipment in the UAE (April 29): It's great that so many are taking to home fitness. I see a gap in the market though for the maintenance and repair of equipment like treadmills and spinbikes.

I've been trying to find a company to service mine, to no avail. Fitness equipment is specialised and requires very specific training and experience. Perhaps such suppliers exist and I can't find them or perhaps this is a business waiting to happen for those who are furloughed from work at their fitness centres? Would love to see coverage about options in The National soon, please.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Governments should cover the cost of testing people

Regarding the report Coronavirus live: Donald Trump says up to 100,000 Americans could die (May 4): I was alarmed to read this. It is important to test as many people as possible in every country. Especially the several congested neighbourhoods in cities like Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Lagos, Nairobi, etc should aim for 100 per cent testing. The tests should be made free in all nations. Governments need to contain this disease in the national interest. Thus testing costs should be borne by governments. People should not avoid the test just because they do not have money.

Even after the vaccine is developed, it will be a challenge to produce five to seven billion doses and ensure every citizen in the world has access to the right dose. This will require robust global logistics and could take up to 24 months. And even after the lockdowns are eased, the fear of Covid-19 will stay with us till the vaccine is made available widely and every citizen in the world in inoculated. Failure is not an option.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai