A is for absurd

Boris Johnson has prophesied a return to normal – or Plan A as it's now called.

Britons' liberties have been infringed upon for too long, says the partier-in-chief. People will no longer be criminalised for declining to wear a mask in public spaces, promises the man caught with his nose out at the theatre.

Let's set aside the fact that very few people have been turned away from arts venues over Covid restrictions. Patrons need not even be vaccinated – a negative test result will do – so liberty is hardly in question.

People want restrictions: the best data we have shows audiences, especially disabled audiences, feel more comfortable when capacity limits, vaccine passports and mask wearing are mandated.

In short, it's not restrictions that are scaring people away; it's the virus itself.

Scientists warn the Prime Minister's optimism is misplaced. Covid is not yet comparable to the flu, and we're still a long way from the pandemic being over.

Consider this advice from University of Warwick virologist Professor Lawrence Young:

"We’ve been here before when we thought that the Delta variant would be the end and that no variant could possibly be more transmissible.

"Remaining cautious while gradually easing restrictions is right for now but we need to stay alert for a possible resurgence of Omicron infection and for the arrival of new variants. There is no room for complacency."

Professional bodies have so far been silent on whether they'll ask members to keep masks and Covid passes in place.

It's hard to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it has to be done. Thinking we will revert to Plan A permanently, or that now is a safe time to do so, is absurd and a danger to the hardworking staff who have seen venues through so many permutations of precaution.

Colleagues in Wales say vaccine certification damaged audience confidence and created extra administration – so will chopping and changing.

After years of talk about a "new normal", keeping Covid safety measures should be part of the conversation.