EARLIER this week the First Minister announced that Scottish Government is to commit resources to Scottish local authorities for additional Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) to “significantly step up inspection and enforcement to limit the spread of Covid-19”.

For the last 15 years (and probably longer), the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland has been warning CoSLA and the Scottish Government that Scottish councils weren’t training enough EHOs to meet the demand of the anticipated shortage in the next few decades, arising from serving officers retiring or leaving the profession.

They warned that if Scotland was to be faced with a major outbreak of infectious disease in the years to come, it would be very difficult for councils to cope. That chicken has now come home to roost.

Becoming a Qualified EHO means obtaining an appropriate BSc from an Approved University, undertaking 52 weeks of prescribed practical training with a council, and then taking a Professional Interview.

The costs for councils to train EHOs are minuscule compared with their other outgoings yet most have been deleting their training posts on the grounds of ‘cutbacks’ for years now.

Where does the First Minister think these “additional EHOs” are going to come from?

This is what happens when politicians (of all parties) ignore professional advice, and sadly it is far too common these days.

John F Crawford, Chartered EHO (Retired), Lytham.

THE latest outbreaks of coronavirus in university residences were probably inevitable, even without partying, as a large number of people have to share common facilities.

A residence can be locked down fairly easily and the majority of the occupants are young.

Other than those with underlying health conditions, they are not badly affected by the virus and can continue to study online.

It would therefore be a benefit if as many residents as possible contracted the virus during the isolation period as opposed to trying to prevent it.

Other than increasing the daily statistics at the time in the longer term, there would be a larger number who are no longer infectious and have a degree of ‘herd immunity’, benefitting the NHS.

Alexander Johnston, Inchinnan, Renfrew.

MASS outbreaks of Covid were only to be expected when thousands of students were encouraged to take up residence in university halls and flats.

This can be seen as a cynical move on the part of universities. Not only were the health risks obvious, but many students were misled into thinking they would get “blended” learning, when in fact much of their teaching is online, indeed all of it for many arts, humanities and social science subjects.

In short, there was no need for them to leave home. This is all about money, and it’s disgraceful.

Kirsten Stalker, Edinburgh.

IS there statistical evidence showing that wearing face-coverings prevents, or even reduces, infection by Corona virus? If so, please could we see it?

As a professor, doubtless eminent in his field, said last week, the now normal practice of repeated “on-off” wearing of ill-fitting, non-surgical masks is about as useful as holding a dirty hankie against your face. The virus is, as it were, looking at a fishing net, and passing freely through it.

A further hazard is the growing incidence of discarded masks in the street.

Despite misgivings I will, of course, continue to obey the law, and use the same mask all day, for what it is worth.

Alison Lambie, Thornhill, Stirling.

AS coronavirus restrictions tighten again, I am calling on the authorities to make sure people living with cancer are not forgotten once more.

We hear from people from across the UK who have experienced undeniable trauma, stress and fear because of the impact lockdown has had on their treatment, quality of life and emotional and psychological wellbeing and we can’t let that happen again.

More than 450 people with cancer die every day so it is imperative we keep our responses in proportion and continue to provide the best possible care and support to people with cancer at what it is undoubtedly an incredibly tough time.

We know our psychological, practical and emotional support is needed now more than ever and are deeply grateful to be here with people living with cancer at this time, but we want everyone diagnosed to get the best possible chance of life regardless of the pandemic.

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive, Maggie’s.

I HAVE to wonder why politicians are imposing draconian rules on people’s freedom based largely on increasing numbers of positive Covid-19 tests.

Increased numbers of tests will, of course, be a factor but surely much of the increase is inevitable when only those showing virus symptoms are currently being tested?

G.M. Lindsay, Kinross.

SIX months from a lockdown with prospects then unknown, facing a future of uncertainty: scarcely an original observation.

“But och! I backward cast my e’e

On prospects drear!

An’ forward , tho’ I canna see ,

I guess an’ fear!” (Burns, To a Mouse)

Thus it was in Ayrshire in 1785!

David Osborne, Paisley.