It’s quite right that scientists at the coronavirus press briefings are getting the attention they deserve

After all, in the world of science, telling the truth is the whole purpose of the exercise, writes Andrew Woodcock

Stephen Powis praised every member of the NHS team from cleaner to consultant (Getty)

This week, to the lobby’s delight, it emerged that the scientists can make the headlines too.

First there was deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam agreeing that the UK’s nascent coronavirus testing system needed to be made “bigger and faster, and as fast as we can”.

Then Ministry of Defence chief scientific adviser Angela McLean frankly declared that the UK has a lot to learn from the “inspiring” example of South Korea rigorously testing thousands from the start of the outbreak in February.