Catastrophes are sadly a part of life. Many cannot be prevented, but can at least be better handled than is the case with the current coronavirus pandemic, with its dreadful toll in Europe and the United States.

Future viral pandemics are virtually a certainty. Noting the normal daily influx of citizens to our capitals’ central business districts, plus the growing residential populations within them, it is crucial to have a CBD hospital – upskilled as a National Security Hospital – in every capital.