Coronavirus: Jack Thorne calls out ‘utterly barbaric’ use of the term ‘underlying health condition’

‘If you are less scared because this is mostly killing disabled people then shame on you,’ said Bafta-winning writer

Jack Thorne has condemned the way people use the term “underlying health condition” when talking about coronavirus.

Since the emergence of Covid-19, people with chronic or long-term illnesses that weaken the immune system, and who are especially at risk, have been advised to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

Last week, figures from the Office for National Statistics were widely reported, showing that more than nine in 10 people dying with coronavirus have an underlying health condition.

Bafta-winner Thorne, whose writing credits include the TV adaptation of His Dark Materials and the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, tweeted: “If I hear underlying health condition one more time... it is a division that is utterly barbaric.

“Hear it on the news, from friends & from my family. It is not an appropriate unit of measure. If you are less scared because this is mostly killing disabled people then shame on you.”

Later in the thread, he clarified: "I’m not saying there should be a news black out on those being affected. Of course you should know your chances are good and you can be useful. I’m saying publishing mortality figures in two columns encourages two column thinking in regard to the importance of life."

In the comments below his post, Silent Witness star Liz Carr, who is one of the most high-profile disabled actors in Britain, joked: “On Facebook a couple of weeks back, I suggested changing my name by deed poll to 'Underlying Health Condition' just to cut out the middle man.”

Thorne replied: “F*** that middle man, you’re a genius. Hope you’re good Liz.”

Carr has arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, a rare genetic condition, and has been in a wheelchair since she was seven years old.

After quitting Silent Witness earlier this year, she revealed she had “refused to say certain lines” that she thought were “problematic” relating to disability during her eight years on the show.