In all honesty I think they're panicking but I don't think this is just a UK issue right now; most of Europe is going back to work and, in terms of the spread, far too early. It's not just too early for the UK, it's too early for every country that's aiming to get back to work.
The problem of course is... markets. Markets are spooked by lack of confidence, and thus, telling the truth can make matters worse. What is happening right now is that world leaders know we are on the verge of a catastrophic economic crash. This isn't about prioritising the rich over the workers... ... this is about the entire system coming down in a way that is completely unprecedented. I think we are in serious, serious trouble.
But the government can't come out and say "Look guys it's not ideal but if we don't go back to work now, we're not going back to work at all, and millions of people are going to die, not of Covid-19, but because everything will start to break down".
They can't say that because it will panic the public. They can't say that because it will spook the markets and make it even worse. So what you get is "half a message" that doesn't make any sense unless you look hard between the lines.
Especially as most people simply do not and can not understand that a financial crash is just as dangerous as Covid. More dangerous by an order of magnitude if it gets bad enough. I hope we don't find out.
Essentially it's this:
Govts.: "We have to all get back to work now"
Public/Media: "Isn't it too early, isn't that dangerous?"
Govts: "Well... yes s be really careful, it absolutely is dangerous."
Public/Media: "But we still should?"
Govts: "Yes."
Public/Media: "WTF why???"
Govts: "...lol
"
Public/Media: "WHY???"
Govts: "Cant tell u lol!"
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