The importance and urgency of the government's promised action to achieve a fairer, more balanced society is emphasised by the pandemic.
Public Health England statistics reveal how wide and deadly is the gap between rich and poor, underprivileged and affluent.
Coronavirus has hit some areas much harder than others.
In the north east and north west of England, infection and death rates are far higher - some double - than that of much of the country - the south and west - which have escaped relatively lightly.
And the same disparity applies in Wales.
There are several reasons for this, and the gap is widening.
People living in confined conditions in densely populated towns with less chance of recreation facilities are more at risk than those in rural areas.
The poor suffer worse health and higher unemployment, with low paid manual job workers more exposed to the virus.
By comparison, the wealthier, healthier - many of them working from home - have better endured the restrictions and carried on a safer life.
Despite all the problems created by coronavirus, the prime minister has the opportunity to close the gap between rich and poor, haves and have nots. He might even confirm the support of the 'red wall' in the hard hit north.
If he succeeds, his mishandling of the crisis so far might be forgiven and he could go on to enjoy his comfortable majority.
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