We’re seeing worst of Britain – and the best

THe coronavirus crisis was always likely to become a searching examination of character – both national and, perhaps more importantly, individual.

and so it has proved. Since the deadly contagion began its menacing advance, we have seen human nature at its sparkling best and, regrettably, its unedifying worst.

Our society – in myriad ways so selfserving – faces a cannonade of privations to help conquer the invisible killer.

effectively, the country has been placed in lockdown (albeit a very British one, with no curfew, no travel ban, no identity papers, and most parks open).

Only in wartime have our citizens been asked to endure such a repressive clampdown on everyday life. even then, as the Luftwaffe strafed our cities, people were still permitted to mingle.

But because we are engulfed in the most dangerous period many of us have known – the death toll yesterday reached 759 – it’s imperative we behave responsibly.

The virus recognises no boundaries or social echelons. Prince Charles and Boris Johnson have both been struck down.

In such tumultuous times, we are obliged to look out for each other. So it is disheartening how many refuse. Look at the objectionable spectacle in the supermarket aisles. Selfish stockpilers ransacked shelves, leaving elderly, frail and vulnerable shoppers with empty trolleys.

Look, also, at the businesses which sought to profit from other people’s misery.

arrogant Mike ashley, of Sports Direct, balked at shutting his shops, then did so only to raise prices online. His mea culpa was welcome and not a moment too soon.

and the equally lamentable banks. How do they reward taxpayers who rode to their rescue during the financial crash? By sticking up two fingers.

These grasping lenders threatened desperate firms with sky-high borrowing rates, while hiking overdraft charges for hard-pressed families in potentially the worst slump since the Great Depression.

There’s a name for such ugly practices: racketeering.

Let’s not forget Jeremy Corbyn. The preposterous Marxist claims he’s been proven ‘absolutely right’ on gargantuan public spending. No, Mr Corbyn. The Government only opened the purse strings extravagantly to stop the infection laying waste to our nation, not because it’s in thrall to a ruinous student ideology.

But as well as bringing out the worst in people, the coronavirus nightmare has also revealed their glowing best.

On Thursday, millions threw open their windows and doors to applaud NHS staff who put their lives at risk to protect us. It was a small gesture, but magnificent.

and the 20,000 doctors, nurses and paramedics who’ve chosen to come out of retirement to ease the strain on creaking hospitals. Or the retired police officers heading back on the beat. They deserve the greatest thank you.

Meanwhile, a staggering 700,000 members of the public have dedicated their valuable time to help the Health Service.

even though many have depressingly lost their jobs, these Good Samaritans volunteer to run errands for elderly and sick people who must self-isolate for three months.

and the countless other unsung acts of kindness. From doing a neighbour’s shopping so they’re not put at risk, picking up their prescription, or just being a friendly voice. These are priceless in this dark hour. another silver lining of confinement: People are making use of technology such as Skype to talk more than ever to distant family.

eight decades after the war, the Blitz spirit truly beats on in our hearts.

During Brexit, the country felt as if it was being torn asunder. Division abounded.

How ironic – and wonderful – if this pernicious pandemic, which is forcing us apart physically, brings us closer together.