Isolation is drastic but necessary step

IF WE have learnt anything in recent days, it is that dealing with the coronavirus is the greatest public health challenge to have faced us since the Second World War.

In truth, the crisis poses a threat both to lives and to livelihoods.

The policies of self-isolation and social lockdown may help to delay the spread of the virus.

But equally, if not managed carefully, they risk wrecking the economic fabric of our society.

The global economy is built on interconnectedness – the assumption that trade and business can be undertaken with as little interference as possible.

This creates the wealth that provides governments with the tax revenue they need to maintain public services.

When the system we take for granted faces disruption on the catastrophic scale posed by coronavirus, it is important that the response is based on expert evidence and not panic.

The proposal to isolate those aged over 70 – those most at risk of dying – is a drastic but necessary measure.

It will present huge logistical problems, and will entail ensuring that those affected get a regular supply of food and other necessities.

Organising such a programme will not be easy, and will almost certainly involve the participation of healthy, younger volunteers from within the community.

There will inevitably be complications, with many facing a struggle with their mental health as a result of being effectively placed under house arrest for a matter of months.

Such onerous restrictions are not easy to enforce in a free society, and it is inconceivable that those who fail to comply with the requirement could be punished.

But it will have to be made clear to all the individuals concerned that the programme of isolation is being introduced solely for the good of their health.

Given that younger, able-bodied people are far less likely to die from coronavirus, many will be more frightened at the threat to their loved ones and also their livelihoods than the threat to their own lives. Smaller businesses in particular that are forced to close down for a temporary period may not be able to recover, leading to very significant job losses.

The UK and Welsh governments must base the difficult decisions they make on expert advice.

Thankfully, all the indications are that they will do so.