Things won’t ‘go back to normal’ until the public feels safe that coronavirus is under control

Editorial: The giveaway, a tacit acknowledgement of the potential disaster, is the extra £3bn to be devoted to the NHS over the winter

The step forward for individual freedoms and the economy contain undeniable risks (EPA)

As political slogans go, “It’ll all be over by Christmas” has an unhappy heritage. Ever bullish, Boris Johnson didn’t quite put it that way, but he did make it abundantly clear that he sincerely hopes and wants a “return to normality, possibly in time for Christmas”, at least in England. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are more cautious about such aims, even though they have had proportionately more success in driving coronavirus out of circulation, and are in a better position to ease the restrictions.

Over the next few months there will be some gradual but transformative relaxations, some piloted at first, others phased, covering a return to work, public transport, the opening of theatres and indoor venues, sports stadiums, gyms, universities and, as previously announced, schools. There is also the possibility of social distancing being abolished in some circumstances.

Taken together, the plans represent a significant step forward for individual freedoms and the economy. Yet they contain in them undeniable risks, all the more so as the colder weather approaches and more people will be tempted to huddle together indoors. Potential super-spreading events such as Premiership football matches will take place just as those attending them return to the old workplaces and their children start the autumn term at school or travel far to embark on a degree course. Although these relaxations are some distance in the future, the current flat trend in infections in England is perhaps too high a base from which to take these risks. Giving evidence in parliament yesterday, the experts sounded less than enthusiastic about the dangers to public health.