Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Countries around the globe are clamping down on the sale of unproven treatments for

COVID-19. Not in China. Authorities claim most of the country's cases were treated with

traditional Chinese medicine. Remedies that they would like to export.

And the raging bushfires that started last year in Australia were a reminder that human

activities make bleases more likely. Scientists are figuring out how much animal activities

can play a role too, both in making fires worse and preventing them.

First up, though.

In a time of crisis in Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's popularity has soared.

I have today left hospital after a week in which the NHS has saved my life. No question.

The nation rallied behind him after he was sent to intensive care with COVID-19.

Although we mourn every day, those were taken from us in such numbers.

And though the struggle is by no means over, we are now making progress in this incredible

national battle against coronavirus. Despite the high approval ratings, the way Mr. Johnson and

his government have handled the spread of the coronavirus has come under scrutiny.

There have been questions about whether the lockdown came too late and how well-frontline

medical staff have been protected. For now, the Prime Minister is still recovering.

The leadership is in the hands of his senior ministers.

Today, they're expected to announce a further three weeks of lockdown,

as other countries in Europe begin their exit strategies.

More than 12,000 people have died of the disease in Britain,

...