The Guardian view on scientists in Downing Street: a brief encounter | Editorial

Boris Johnson sometimes uses experts to bolster his authority but his real guide is fear of being held responsible for bad government

It is clear from the volume and complexity of new hygiene guidelines that the grand reopening of England's consumer economy, scheduled for 4 July, marks no return to normality. The long-deferred pleasure of the pub will be diluted by measures to enforce physical distance between punters. Fear will still keep many away.

Britain's struggle with coronavirus has certainly moved into a new phase, but the transition is more political than clinical. The shift is symbolised by the abandonment of routine Downing Street press conferences. It is hard to mourn the passing of an institution that was often characterised by obfuscation, but the decision to dispense with the exercise is revealing. The government no longer wants the burden of sharing information with citizens.