As the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount it is understandable that public anxiety is also on the rise.
So far, the number of people affected in the UK has stayed mercifully low. This does not mean we should be complacent.
The global outbreak has already cost thousands of lives, hit stock prices and disrupted businesses and sports events. Here schools have been closed and offices evacuated.
Ministers are already planning for the worst case scenario amid fears the NHS could be unable to cope with a mass outbreak here.
If we reach epidemic levels routine operations will have to be cancelled and hospitals may struggle to find enough beds.
The Tories may wish to ask themselves if that would be the case if they had not starved our health service of funds for the last decade.
The Government needs to calibrate its response carefully. It should put in place all the measures necessary to contain the virus while not whipping up alarm. Panic will not help.
In time a vaccine will hopefully be developed. Until then we should follow the medical advice, and keep calm and carry on.
Homes truths
Nobody doubts we need to build more homes to address Britain’s housing crisis.
But they need to be sited in the right places.
More than 11,000 homes are being planned in areas deemed at high risk of flooding.
These are on top of 20,000 built in 2017-18 in flood zones. This defies common sense.
Owners will be saddled with properties that are uninsurable, uninhabitable and unsellable.
The Government needs to call time on these ill-judged developments and devise a housing plan that takes account of the climate crisis.
Business as usual will only result in more flood-stricken families living in misery.
Twin town
A nursery in Stockport, Greater Manchester, has nine sets of twins.
Let’s raise a glass to all of their proud mums and dads – doubles all round.
