THERE is a focus on Brighton at the present time but sadly for those of us who live here we do not know enough.

We know the source of the coronavirus’s arrival here, but we do not know if the journey it took to Brighton from Gatwick was by car or by train.

It is simple facts like this that can help us understand whether the virus is going to take a hold here.

If it was by train, how many could be infected? The exact timing of that train (if it were by train) should be made known. It is obvious I would have thought that we all need to know.

If it is to prevent panic, and the fear of it, that the flow of such factual information is being slowed then that is misguided.

The elderly, the young, and the homeless, are among the especially vulnerable.

But I ask you, if hospitals can be built in China within days, then why cannot we here build or make available suitable homes and get the vulnerable off the streets?

The stark truth is that if this virus does get a grip on this city it will be too late, and some will die.

Can we live with this possibility and sleep, knowing that as a city we have not done enough?

If it is economics that is preventing clear thinking, it will be obvious to all that we have put money before lives, and those who have consciences in this city will feel shame.

The fact that a terrible crisis is possible should focus minds.

For the sake of the elderly, the children and those living on the streets, and in the name of humanity, precautions should be taken.

John Roman Baker Brighton