The phrase is shocking: “Many families will lose their loved ones.” But the reaction is perhaps even more chilling: we will do nothing. Because this is the line chosen by the government of Boris Johnson: forward as if nothing had happened. Britain separates itself from the rest of Europe: while governments on the continent take increasingly drastic measures, London washes their hands. The fundamental advice against coronavirus is in fact to use soap and water; those who have symptoms are invited to stay home for a week, but otherwise, it’s business as usual. No closures, no emergencies: life in London continues to flow normally (and no one goes around with a mask).
