Reading between the lines. That’s what I am trying to do. I’m hearing and reading loads of stuff about the Covid variant B.1.1.529. This time yesterday, no one was talking about it, today some people are talking about it. Scientists who know about these things say they are “deeply concerned” about this variant. Sajid Javid, the health secretary, says shutting down flights to and from South Africa and some other African countries just means he is being “cautious”. How the hell do you read between those lines? You’re deeply concerned so I’m cautious? Blimey.
Anyway, it’s important that we don’t panic. Let’s not follow the example of shareholders in the travel industry where shares have “plunged” this morning. BA’s shares are down by 15%, easyJet’s by 12% and Tui’s by 10%. Hmm. What are they worried about?
All being well, the variant will be contained in Africa so life will carry on as before. Oh, wait. Another scientist on the radio says that putting countries on the so-called red list won’t in itself stop the variant reaching the UK. It will merely slow its arrival. But hang on: flights haven’t been suspended yet. Already, this morning (it’s 10.00am as I write) three planeloads of South Africans have already arrived at Heathrow airport. Passengers won’t have to quarantine so if one of them has the new variant, what are the odds that s/he passes it on to fellow passengers or people s/he bumps into here?
The only real question, it seems to me, is this: is the variant as dangerous as experts believe it is? These experts reckon they will know within two weeks or so. If it is, we all know what that will mean for Christmas and the New Year onwards. Expect the worst, hope for the best. Another year like 2020 or another like 2021? We’ll find out soon enough. Now where’s the brandy?
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