‘CONGRATULATIONS! Your Covid-19 test was positive! You must register your death within 28 days. Any claim to have died from Covid-19 after that date will be deemed invalid.’
‘I got a text from Boris,’ says Esme, smiling, as she slides into an induced coma.
Until further notice, the registration of deaths will be completed over the telephone.’ Esme’s daughter phones the number.
‘Were you present at the death?’ They breathe into the silence. Someone taps on a keyboard.
‘I regret to inform you that since the deceased passed 29 days after diagnosis, the computer says ‘No’.’