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Coronavirus: Boris Johnson insists on listening to the experts so let's just hope they're right; Government scientists are talking about six out of 10 people catching the virus.

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Byline: By, Jonathan Walker

Has Boris Johnson got it right

The Prime Minister has faced criticism over the Government's response to the coronavirus crisis.

Some countries have taken what appear to be tough measures to stop the spread of the disease, such as closing schools or banning large public events.

In the UK, the Chief Medical Office and other Government scientists have recommended taking a different approach, and the Prime Minister has followed their advice.

Even if you're in a packed stadium, the experts say, you only risk catching the virus from the people immediately around you -or, perhaps, passing it on to them, if you already have it.

You may be in more danger in the pub. That's what the experts say, at least.

Closing schools wouldn't do much to protect children because, while they can catch coronavirus, it doesn't do them much harm.

But it could take staff away from our health services, as they are forced to stay home with their kids instead. And it could put the elderly at risk, if grandparents are asked to help with childcare.

This is what the Government's experts say. They include Professor Chris Witty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, who is also a professor of medicine.

The truth is that having an impressive title -and even having the decades of experience and expertise that go with it -doesn't mean you're always right.

But it would also be true to say that very few of us are in any position to say we know better, and that includes our most senior politicians.

If coronavirus hits the UK harder than other nations, for example because the proportion of the population that dies here is higher than elsewhere, Mr Johnson will take the blame.

But whatever it means for his career, he might nonetheless feel that he...

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