Coronavirus: The first post-truth pandemic tinged with Brexit thinking

We are infecting one another with fear and anxiety, which is spreading faster than the virus, says Andy Martin

Panic-buying when there is enough food to go around creates shortages (AP)

No more hugs. No more handshakes. No touching. We are entering the new age of social distancing. As for “how are you?” – it’s no longer a polite hello. It’s a real question, verging on interrogation. But do they know how they are; do they have it? And if they do, are they going to be honest about it? Wouldn’t it be better to avoid asking, assume the worst and steer clear?

Obviously, I’m already infected: by the virus of fear and paranoia, the epidemic of suspicion. But I’m trying to calm down and get it under control and not become more misanthropic than I really have to be. The facts are that, ultimately, we will probably all get a dose of Covid-19 and some of us (a very small percentage) won’t make it. But our reaction to it is also viral and spreading faster than the coronavirus itself. We are infecting one another with our fears and anxieties.

So much so that, just for once, for a short while, the government started to sound almost reasonable and moderate by comparison. The PM and his scientific minders were stressing the need to be measured and responsible and proportionate, to act, but not to overact. I was already in favour of hand-washing before this started, so I’m glad that’s catching on. Similarly, not coughing or sneezing in someone else’s face. The basic prerequisites for everyday life.