I agree with Melanie McDonagh (28 March) that the requirement to close all churches even for private prayer is excessive.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols has argued that keeping churches open would encourage people to travel. That might be so for some city-centre churches. It is unlikely to be so for suburban churches or those in small towns. My local church was open for private prayer for brief periods each day for four days until it was closed. Those who came were small in number and the vast majority walked, no doubt as part of their daily permitted exercise. Pope Francis has prudently closed some major churches in Rome, while keeping most open.

Some people do not have good conditions in their home or family for prayer. For those who live alone, praying before the Blessed Sacrament can seem a lifeline at this time. We should also consider mental and spiritual health.