The “pingdemic” is a symptom of the UK’s problems, not the cause

The constant threat of being asked to self-isolate is an inevitable consequence of the government’s approach to Covid-19.

By Stephen Bush

Boris Johnson will spend “Freedom Day” in isolation after Downing Street first announced, then abandoned, plans to allow the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to participate in a “test and release” trial. The trial would have meant that they avoided their ten days of self-isolation ( which was triggered because they have had direct contact with the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, who has tested positive for Covid-19).

[Hear more on the New Statesman podcast]