Now’s the time for imaginative thinking

MEDDLING in people’s lives must pain Boris Johnson deeply. He is, after all, a deep-rooted libertarian.

So it is profoundly ironic that to conquer coronavirus, the Prime Minister was forced to impose draconian restrictions on individual freedoms, in the process annihilating Britain’s economy.

Yesterday, Boris returned to his desk in No10 for the first time since being hospitalised. This is gratifying. His focus, drive and optimism – indeed, his leadership – have been sorely missed.

But anyone clamouring for Mr Johnson to end the wearying lockdown was sorely disappointed.

Yes, new infections and death rates are dropping. Yes, the tide is turning. Yes, he urgently wants to fire up the economy. But this, insists Mr Johnson, is the ‘moment of maximum risk’.

His exhortations for the public to patiently stick to the plan make sense… for now. If curbs are relaxed too abruptly, the disease could return with a ruinous vengeance – killing any recovery.

But the PM must know the shutdown is not sustainable indefinitely.

People – including significant numbers in his own party – are growing increasingly frustrated at life being placed on hold.

It is welcome, therefore, that Boris will map out a (gradual) pathway in the coming days.

Opening garden centres and furniture stores could be prioritised.

If people are to spend more time under lock and key, why not encourage them to spruce up their homes?

Face masks, hand sanitisers and staggered shift patterns could minimise infection risks at work. Schools must reopen to prevent catastrophic damage being done to children.

Could different regions, such as the sparsely populated West Country, open up first? Or what about different economic sectors, if they are judged to be low risk? Imaginative thinking is essential.

Most people accept that there will be no sudden nirvana, where life reverts suddenly to normal. That’s wishful thinking.

But Mr Johnson must show he is sincerely trying to extricate us from this mire.