London Tube trains are the latest symbol of the UK’s confusing coronavirus response.

The photos circulated on social media of commuters huddling on congested train platforms, some without masks, or crowding into crowded double-decker buses, raising questions about how Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to return to work without causing a second wave of coronavirus infections. .

In a prerecorded address to the nation Sunday night, Johnson announced that anyone who could not do their work from home “should be actively encouraged to go to work,” adding that workers “should avoid public transportation” because There would be limited capacity on trains. Johnson also suggested that people should go to work by car, bicycle, or on foot if possible.

On Monday morning, the government was forced to clarify that people should only return to work on Wednesday, while the other nations in the UK told people that they should continue in their homes.

In London, as in any major urban area, many people work in the service industry, and many will not have their own mode of transportation, so scenes of full subway cars were somewhat unavoidable given Johnson’s guidance. And although the government advised people to wear masks indoors on Tuesday, they are not mandatory.

In Wednesday afternoon’s weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session, Johnson raised concerns about the number of commuters using London’s public transport network and said the government was urging people to avoid traveling during peak hours. .

“We are working very actively with TfL [Transport for London] To ensure that what we do is have more capacity, we discourage people from going to work during the peak, and that operators, particularly TfL, sit on more subway trains when needed throughout the day, “Johnson told legislators in parliament.

You are likely to encounter strong opposition to this suggestion. Mick Cash, secretary general of the powerful rail, maritime and transport workers union, said transport workers would go on strike if better protections were not implemented.

The clamor for England’s first proper day out of the lockdown is bad news for Johnson after returning to work after a deadly coronavirus attack.

Criticism of his handling of the outbreak comes not only from politicians across the aisle, but also from legislators and commentators who previously supported it. And he has a new opposition leader in Labor’s Keir Starmer, who happens to be a former director of public prosecutions, and is now building a political case against Johnson and his government.

The roadmap to exit the blockade was a real opportunity for Johnson and his team to regain their response to the coronavirus. If the government cannot straighten out its messages, it could face the humiliating prospect of having to reverse the relaxation of the restrictions. And that could be dangerous, both for his political reputation and, more importantly, for millions of Britons, as the public grows increasingly tired of this crisis.