Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the world has really changed. We’ve all had to adjust what we consider ‘normal’ and those new normalities are changing all the time.

But what I have struggled with is some of the mixed messaging and apparently nonsensical decisions made by the government in its response to the crisis.

Take, for example, the new rules that mean we can now meet with five other people…but only outdoors.

That is unless you are a teacher when you can meet with 15 other people inside (admittedly those 15 other people are children).

So I could have my son and daughter round for a barbecue in the back garden as long as we socially distance.

But they couldn’t go in my house.

But if one of them was an estate agent and I was to put my house up for sale, they could have the run of the place.

Then we have quarantine for people returning to the UK.

A couple of weeks ago, it apparently wasn’t a good idea.

Now it is (despite the fact that the infection rate is lower in most other countries than it is here).

Or how about face coverings.

After weeks of saying they’re not needed and can do more harm than good, all of a sudden, they’re going to be compulsory on public transport.

Work that one out.

However, one of the most puzzling of all the recent government decisions is the one to keep zoos closed.

As it happens, I am a massive fan of Chester Zoo.

It has successfully transformed itself over the years into a major centre for animal conservation and I was happy to stump up my entrance fee last summer to take in its wonderful sights.

But the government wouldn't let it open to the public.

So we had the unedifying sight of people queueing round Ikea’s car park, presumably to buy that ‘essential’ Billy bookcase but the zoo has to stay closed.

And what made this even more ridiculous was the fact that Chester Zoo could open up its shop to the public but couldn't open its acres of open space.

The situation became so dire for the zoo it was facing permanent closure but that threat has at least been put on hold for the time being after a fundraising campaign so more that £3million donated (at the time of writing).

Jamie Christon, the zoo’s chief operating officer, thanked all those who had contributed to the rescue fund and said: “This week will be one we will never forget.

“Starting in a place of desperation and sadness, we have ended with renewed hope.

“The love, the passion and the energy shown by all of our communities – our members, the people of Chester, from all over the UK and way beyond, from 78 different countries, has completely humbled us.

“It just goes to show what a place Chester Zoo has in people’s hearts.

“The public has rallied round and mobilised people to speak out against the inconsistencies of the government’s reopening plans.

“And the unwavering generosity of people, even when times are this hard, will never cease to amaze us.

“Their kind donations will go some way to help lessen the financial blow and increase our chances of getting this great, charity zoo through this crisis."

A big ‘well done’ to the zoo and all the people who have supported it but I think to describe the government’s reopening plans as ‘inconsistent’ is putting it mildly.

On a completely different subject, back in happier times I wrote about ‘zombie’ pedestrians.

You know who I mean, those people who walk along glued to their mobile phones and not paying attention to what’s going on around them.

On one journey from the town centre to Penketh, no fewer than three ‘zombies’ stepped out in front of my car and were lucky to come away unscathed.

Now one city in Japan is proposing to do something about the problem. Pedestrians could be banned from looking at their phones while walking under new laws being proposed by politicians in Yamato, about 25 miles southwest of Tokyo.

They have put forward a bill that could make it illegal for people to gaze at their devices while walking.

According to a report in The Independent, people are being encouraged to use their devices while standing in a spot where they are unlikely to pose a hindrance to others passing by.

Yamato officials said that increasing smartphone use in the city and across Japan more broadly has led to rising numbers of road traffic accidents.

That’s one new law that would get my backing.