We are not ‘at war’ with coronavirus – we are treating it as we do all illnesses

Editorial: It is misguided to think of the government’s four-stage plan as a series of defensive lines that, once breached, mean automatic disaster

A demonstration of the equipment and procedures used to test for the virus (AP)

The language being deployed in the current coronavirus crisis is becoming increasingly belligerent. Former chancellor George Osborne has called for the government to be placed on a “war footing”, while the prime minister has termed the NHS action plan a “battle plan”. Our foe has a foothold in every continent bar Antarctica. Though not driven by any conscious malevolent motive, coronavirus is the “enemy”.

Yet it is wrong to think of the government’s four-pronged approach as a series of defensive lines that, once breached, mean automatic disaster. The chief medical officer Chris Whitty’s announcement that officials are moving towards the second phase of their response to the outbreak should not, in other words, be cause for too much concern.

Transitioning from the “contain” to the “delay” phase is in truth matter of tactics and degree; there was always a good deal of overlap between the two. Anyone wanting to minimise their risk of infection (to coronavirus as well as colds, flu and other illnesses) will need to continue to wash their hand thoroughly, throw tissues away and be aware of the onset of symptoms in themselves or others. That will never change, and is sound hygiene in any case.