Distance is the key

FIRST the good news. Britain’s corona alert level has fallen from 4 (high or rising exponentially) to 3 (in general circulation). Failing a second peak, the worst is over.

Now the bad news. Borrowing last month smashed all records and our national debt (approaching a terrifying £2trillion) outstripped GDP for the first time since 1963. If Britain doesn’t get back to work (and school), and soon, we’re doomed to the deepest and possibly longest recession in modern memory.

Imperative to kick-starting the recovery is cutting the social-distancing limit from two metres to one. The change would have little bearing on Covid risk, but its effect on shops, workplaces and the travel industry would be transformative.

Our governments must have the courage to ditch it now, along with muddle-headed airport quarantine plans. Those two simple actions could save millions of jobs.

For our national health the worst of this crisis may be over. For our national wealth, it’s only just beginning.