As we enter the second week of lockdown, there is already the possibility that social distancing measures could last until June, perhaps longer. Dr Jenny Harries, the deputy chief medical officer for England gave the stark warning to the nation on Sunday that: “we must not then suddenly revert to our normal way of living”. I make no criticism of Dr Harries, who is clearly doing her best under impossible circumstances. But I am concerned that, during the daily briefings, the wider societal and financial consequences of an extended lockdown do not seem to have been considered. This is no fault at all of the doctors and scientists advising the government, as their vocation is to “save lives”, at any cost. But the government decision to follow the doctor’s orders and make us all housebound is not without its own costs. First, there is the increase in authoritarian policing. Although it is not a “crime” to drive miles away from where you live to exercise or walk your dog, you may find ...