I returned to the U.K. on Feb. 16, 2020. My course at the University of Tokyo had finished for winter and I was raring to put economics and my masters aside for a couple months, and see family and friends back home. Coronavirus was still an anomaly on a cruise ship in Yokohama.

Life back in London was very normal: pubs were pouring pints, commuters were complaining and Boris was busy Brexiting. Riding the Piccadilly Line back from Heathrow Airport, I stared avidly at the exposed belly of the man sitting opposite me. I did not judge his lack of facemask.