Faizah Gillani
Covid – 19 has spread across the world like wildfire, engulfing every country on the globe, indiscriminately targeting people. Labelled as “the invisible enemy” by most world leaders and analysts, the global community is facing a tough fight against containing, as well as developing a vaccine for it. What started in Wuhan, China, has now led to Europe becoming the epicentre of this pandemic.
A number of European countries have taken strict measures following the outbreak, in particular Italy, that has been hit hard with a death toll increasing at an alarming rate. Much of Europe is on lockdown, with governments enforcing draconian rules. But the United Kingdom, which formally left the European Union on the 31st of January this year, has chosen a different strategy, with generally lighter rules than expected.
Stating that guidelines have been taken from scientists and the World Health Organisation, Boris Johnson did not enforce a ban on mass public gatherings or place the country under lockdown, stressing that his government was taken right decisions at the right time. The handling of the Covid crisis has led to criticism of the government’s approach. There have been concerns over the issue of clarity, with vague language used by the Prime Minister, when issuing guidelines.
Johnson and the medical team that have been giving updates on a daily basis appear to have raised more questions than giving answers. The government has urged the public to follow the guidelines as a way to contain the virus and stop the number of deaths from increasing, in effect, leaving it for people to decide whether or not their social contact and travel is essential. But this method has been criticised, as many people have not been heeding advice, and continue to lead their lives as normal, despite government guidelines urging them to make the necessary changes.
Things have also been frantic in the UK over panic buying, with supermarkets seeing empty shelves, especially for high demand items. Consumers continue sweeping the stores despite the government assuring them that these actions are not necessary. And this is the challenge facing Boris Johnson at present. In a time of crisis any government requires cooperation from the people. But the public appear to be defying government guidelines, especially on the important aspect of social distancing.
Thus, it is unsurprising that Johnson has warned the public if advice is not followed, “tougher measures” could be introduced. The UK government seems to be sceptical over enforcing more draconian measures as seen in Europe, and other parts of the world, but it may be a last resort if people continue to ignore advice. After weeks of speculation over the next step, the government has finally taken precautionary measures. Rail services have been reduced, with closure of up to 40 London underground services.
Schools have finally been closed, and exams cancelled. However, schools will be open for children belonging to families working on the frontline, such as health care workers. 20,000 military personnel are also on standby to help police and the NHS (National Health Service). Cafes, pubs and restaurants have been closed, except for take-away food, as a bid to tackle the virus. Night clubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres have also been told to close “as soon as they reasonably can.”
The situation will be reviewed each month. It might be relaxed, or lead to stricter action, depending on how things develop. However, it will most likely remain this way for the next three months. But some critics have argued that the UK government has taken these measures a bit too late, such as the closure of pubs, cafes and restaurants. This was enforced within Europe much earlier on, but the UK chose to play a wait and see game.
The government has been wary of enforcing stricter rules too early due to fear of people becoming bored and frustrated, resulting in mass defiance. Although one can argue that their concerns are justified, the main issue is that the virus is spread through person to person contact, which is why social distancing is crucial. As the death toll within the UK hits 281, all eyes will be on Boris Johnson’s leadership, and whether his government has taken the appropriate measures.
As the death toll rises, scrutiny of government tactics will also increase. As of now, Johnson has been slammed for his slow response, with the former regional director of Public Health England describing the government’s “complacent” response to the corona virus pandemic. In an interview given to BBC Newsnight, Professor Ashton said that the government should have started putting measures in place a month ago, and that there will not be enough hospital beds, resulting in people being nursed at home.
Professor Ashton argued that the UK should have got a grip over this crisis a month ago. Criticism, along with the rise in death toll is most likely the catalyst behind recent change in approach towards the virus. Italy, France and Spain have effectively gone into complete lockdown, with their respective leaderships taking the all precautionary measures possible to slow down the spread of the virus. If the UK government struggles in containing it and if the public continue to ignore the guidelines, Boris Johnson may be left with no other option but to opt for a tougher route.
There was also backlash over the UK chief science advisor’s suggesting that virus should be spread to build immunity. Sir Patrick Vallance’s proposal was questioned by Ex director of maternal and child health at the World Health Organisation, Anthony Costello, who said “it is kind of a surrender.” The government later backed away from the controversial herd immunity strategy, where some found it to be a casual approach to letting people die, in particular the elderly.
But the most frightening thought for the UK right now is the fact that the country has yet to see the peak of the virus. The mathematical modelling suggests that the UK is very close to Italy’s dreadful trajectory, about two weeks behind. Inigo Martincorena, group leader at the Sanger Institute in Cambridge, has very recently given an analysis which shows that the country’s numbers almost mirror Italy’s in terms of cases and deaths. He has issued a warning that if the country did not go under complete lockdown, it would suffer a similar fate as Italy, if not worse. “Time is running out.”
If indeed time is running out, as some experts suggest, then Boris Johnson’s government will have no other option but to abandon the soft approach and take note of the tougher measures enforced by European counterparts. The UK government cannot afford to waste any more time. People’s lives are at risk and Boris Johnson’s leadership will have to take full responsibility for whatever lies ahead. With 281 dead and 5,683 confirmed cases, now might be the right time for the government to revisit its policy over Covid-19, before the country faces the heart-breaking situation that Italy has been battling under.
The writer has studied History and Politics at Queen Mary, University of London. And Middle East Studies at SOAS, University of London.
