I was disappointed that one of your readers was critical of BBC reporters being out and about (Letters, March 27).

It’s important to see real locations to reflect this crisis. I have worked with Fergus Walsh, the BBC medical correspondent - a consummate professional. In this national emergency, television media are a vital part of public information - as are The Press and national newspapers.

Trustworthy news is essential - not Facebook and Twitter pumping out some subversive, automated false propaganda messages from vicious non-existent people.

It is vital that the images of this pandemic are captured for posterity and archival use for all the future documentaries. Imagine if we had no photography from the Great War and other historic events?

Previously, including the Cold War and the threat of a nuclear attack from Russia, all the well-known faces and voices of broadcasting would have gone into secret underground bunkers to talk to the nation, so that the population could trust the information.

Would we really like to have state controlled media emulating China, Russia and North Korea? Let’s appreciate our news organisations for their contribution.

Keith Massey,

Bishopthorpe, York

Coronavirus and your pets - the facts

Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 is rife, so it’s important that we turn to reputable sources for guidance on taking care of our animal companions at this time.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that dogs or cats can contract or carry COVID-19. However, they may be able to transmit the virus to you from others – if an infected person leaves it on an animal’s fur, that’s no different from leaving it on your hand, a door handle, or any other surface.

This is why it’s important that you keep your animal companions at a distance from anyone outside your household – if you wouldn’t shake someone’s hand, that person shouldn’t be allowed to pet your dog or cat.

On a positive note, this period of lockdown can be a great opportunity for some high-quality bonding and playtime with your animal! Please remember that our animal companions need us just as much as ever, so do plan ahead and ensure that you have approximately two weeks’ worth of appropriate food and medicine (if needed) for them.

Sascha Camilli,

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),

All Saints Street, London

Last time I checked this was York, not New York

I must have missed the report which covered York Police becoming part of New York Police.

In a report in The Press (Man allegedly assaulted NHS staff, March 26) Inspector Kev Kelly states that his response officers selflessly ‘took down’ a male in A&E at York Hospital.

I presume he means officers arrested a man.

Get rid of the jargon Kev, you’re not Robocop.

Name & Address supplied