Don't panic, Dr Matt Hancock will save us from the coronavirus | John Crace

In his Commons statement, health secretary adopts the tone of a disaster movie superhero singlehandedly saving the planet

Very few MPs were taking any chances with the new coronavirus outbreak in China. Which is why the Commons chamber was almost entirely empty for the ministerial statement about it. Some clearly appear to believe the risk of contagion is so high that even talking about it can spread the disease.

Fortunately the health secretary, Matt Hancock, is more selfless than many. And more fearless. One of the more charming things about Matt - other than his gullibility: he consistently remains the only person in the entire country who believes Boris Johnson will actually build 40 new hospitals - is his tireless dedication to the cause. Tigger doesn't just wear his NHS badge on the lapel of his suit; he has it attached to his pyjamas in bed at night. As does his Pooh bear teddy.