We have the amusing canard that the SNP response to this crisis has been above politics. We have already seen how the SNP has sought to deflect criticisms towards Westminster while looking to make the most amount of political gain from our relatively fortunate health outcomes. But they nevertheless insist that they are holding back from their normal political agenda, i.e. calling for a second independence referendum, while the crisis is ongoing. This is meant merely to placate the party die-hards, at a time when Sturgeon has no leverage or mechanism to legally pursue a second independence vote. Sturgeon knows that on that issue she cannot do anything except to play for time. And this crisis is giving her the cover to do just that.