Okay - absolute cynicism alert - and I'm already slapping myself for even allowing my brain to go near this idea, but bearing in mind the austerity policy that has seen thousands die in the vulnerable categories of society due to benefit mismanagement, this situation is potentially playing into the eugenics by stealth narrative.
If those who will be worst affected are elderly, affected by underlying health conditions or vulnerable in some other way and "costly" to society, then the government could, if particularly amoral, be prepared to follow the "let nature take its course" route for long term financial reasons.
Am appalled I can even think this way and apologise because it does sound tin foil hat even to me - however, one cannot deny that protecting the vested interests of those with the most money and power seems to be a strong motivation with our current leaders. They make the right noises, have meetings, tweak the edges of systemic problems and then hold up their hands and deflect blame elsewhere..... I really dunno what to think any more.
if this explodes and NHS / medical staff have to be diverted from one field to another, how will this affect people already dealing with serious conditions? This is a selfish consideration on my part, as my Mum is just starting to get regular visits from Macmillan nurses (I know they are a kind of separate thing) but if HCPs are compelled to deal with the virus instead, what happens then? Is this scenario even likely or do I just have a sick and evil mind?
Vodka beckons.