The ending of Covid restrictions in England will not be driven by science. The prime minister made the announcement because of political desperation. The death rate on Wednesday was reported as 358.
Scientists say that infections are likely to get worse. The chair of the British Medical Association warned that hospitalisations are double the level that they were when plan B was introduced, and case rates are close to twice as high. There is a record number of patients in the National Health Service, with Dr Chaand Nagpaul noting that the pressure is still on.
After two years of the Pandemic, it is not only the Conservative backbenchers who want a return to normal. Omicron has wreaked less damage than was feared, though many have still lost loved ones, or suffered serious and perhaps lasting damage to their health. It is reasonable that people are rethinking their responses to the virus because of the availability of vaccines and treatments. The effects of isolation have been punishing for many, but restrictions have saved countless lives.
Boris Johnson's rush for the exit risks prolonging the wave, making life less normal, not more, with further disruption to education, healthcare and other services. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have chosen to be more cautious. England is dropping the mask mandate on public transport, but they are keeping it in shops and similar places.
There is concern about Mr Johnson's statement that the requirement to self-isolate will end when the legislation expires on 24 March, if not earlier, and reports of plans to ditch free flow tests.
The government is underestimating the costs of the virus by not acknowledging the severity of long Covid. In December, the Office for National Statistics estimated that more than half a million people had symptoms for at least a year after catching Covid. These have been a problem. The country is abandoning the clinically extremely vulnerable and others who are at higher risk. The changes will make them less free. Many of them have been restricted to their homes or have been confined to their homes for a long time. A significant number had continued to protect. Some can't be protected by vaccines. The vaccine for at-risk under-12s is only starting this month.
The prime minister has cost the nation a lot. The UK's Covid death toll is one of the highest per capita in western Europe, and he claims to have made the right calls on the big issues.
His political calculations are no longer accurate. A more responsible course of action would reduce the risks to the vulnerable by reducing infections through mandatory masking, ensuring testing is available to all and introducing proper sick pay. We must learn to live with Covid. The welfare of all is more important than the political survival of the prime minister.
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