I am astonished that an intelligent person could think that it is safe to open churches so people can pray (Melanie McDonagh, 11 April).

I have been ill with this virus for three weeks. Although 80 years old, I am normally in robust health and lead a very active life. This illness brought me to the point of thinking I was not going to recover. Thank God that I now feel hopeful of making a reasonable recovery. I was helped by the prayers of many people. My neighbours have looked out for me; none of them would call themselves religious and none is a churchgoer as far as I know.

I saw at first hand the dedication of workers in the NHS when I was taken into hospital. I don’t know if the paramedic I met was a practising Christian; he may not know it but there was “church” in all its compassion and loving service. A person, not a building.