Sounds like a protection move to me:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight

When knights were taken as prisoners of war, they were customarily held for ransom in somewhat comfortable surroundings. This same standard of conduct did not apply to non-knights (archers, peasants, foot-soldiers, etc.) who were often slaughtered after capture. (etc etc)

Knights are afforded better treatment.

Honours include:

https://news.sky.com/story/new-year-honours-list-whitty-and-van-tam-knighted-as-scientists-honoured-for-battle-against-covid-12506926

England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and his deputy Professor Jonathan Van-Tam have been given knighthoods, along with the chief medical officers for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, and Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith.

There are also damehoods for Dr Jenny Harries, who leads the UK Health Security Agency, and Dr June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Funny how all those involved in the 'health response' front line just got protected.