UK Covid death toll

[Tom Joad]

The infection numbers - at least those detected - seem to be plateauing, albeit from a very high level. If that trend wasn't showing by now we would really be up against the wall (even more so than we are already). If it continues the government had better not be so bloody stupid as to contemplate relaxing restrictions earlier than suggested; if anything, if it doesn't continue downwards, things will need to be locked down even tighter.

The last thing we need is for Boris to have another of his 'Look, I told you it's going to be okay' outbursts, followed by some ill-advised tinkering.

When you think, this is on the back of lockdowns, tiers and another lockdown. It just shows how this thing spreads.

Lockdown? 

Since September...

Schools were open until late Dec - around 30% of kids still going to school as 'key workers' 
Uni's open to late Dec (well halls of residence)
Takeaway food outlets open
Manufacturers of all sorts many of which aren't vital at this time still open
Construction sites still open
Colleges open to late Dec
Nurseries - still open - no testing
Airports, Tunnel, Ferries open with some restrictions - still faffing about closing routes to Brazil and South Africa
Elite team sports still running, hugging, kissing and cuddling each other when they celebrate a goal / win etc

The idea we have had a tough lockdown is nonsense (I know you didn't say we were TJ) and one of the reasons we are 'World Beating' at spreading the virus, deaths from virus and have a struggling economy. Unpopular decisions were needed but this government of Populists and libertarians have to be dragged by public opinion to make difficult decisions.

I don't disagree at all, DH. The speed which this has spread at has really hit hard. We were caught cold by the first wave but this has come on the back of the tier system. It beggars belief what carnage may have happened had there been no controls at all.
Quick edit, just on the news, 3.7% of the Midlands has been vaccinated. That can only be good.