J Shakespear in his letter (The Weekend Sun, May 8) does not seem to be as aware as he might be of the spread of Coronavirus.

A recent report from Michael Melham, the Mayor of New Jersey, claimed he and many others in that area were very ill in November and makes interesting reading.

Scientists and doctors in St Denis in Paris have also confirmed a case of Coronavirus in December where patients had no contact with travellers or people from China.

There were reported outbreaks on the USS Roosevelt (400 infected) and USS Ronald Regan (two infected): the aircraft carrier Roosevelt had been at sea for several months without sighting land; and no contact with China there. The Captain was stood down for reporting the issue.

It appears that America is in a little bit of trouble over its handling of this epidemic, it has cost lives, the economy (internal and world) and, worse, has threatened peaceful coexistence among people, dividing us into those who believe the US President and those who are challenged by his truth.

J Shakespeare's claim ‘five million people leave Wuhan taking coronavirus with them ensuring that each country infected would suffer long term health concerns and economic collapse', I find alarming, sensationalist and unfortunately in line with many of the statements we currently read from the White House.

We are all challenged to see truth in the media and to separate it from bias, sensationalism and false news.

J Hodgson, Otumoetai