December 21
In the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson put London and the south-east of England into Tier-4 lockdown. The new UK strain of COVID was skyrocketing case numbers had forced his hand. For some it was too little, too late. For others it was a maddening last minute cancellation of Christmas. I think where my stance was.
Tier 4 was stay at home except for work or education.
You could meet up with one friend in public unless you live with them.
If you were outside a Tier 4 area the advice was don’t travel to one.
This caused a mad rush at the train station to leave London before the restrictions came into place.
England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty speaking at Downing Street advised that yes the mutation made the virus a lot more contagious but in terms of symptoms and treatment the preliminary findings were promising including whether it was resistant to the vaccine.
Terrific.
France did so too setting it for 48 hours causing lorries loaded with freight to be backed up in the port of Dover.
Cinemas and gyms were closed but outdoor non-contact sports were permitted.
Churches a maximum of 20 people, weddings the same but no reception. Funerals 20 guests too.
Schools, universities and childcare were still open.
Public libraries were not but you could order and collect books.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/janey-godleys-latest-nicola-sturgeon-23202150
The day before the island nation had breached two million COVID cases with 2,004,223.
On the 21st of December the World Health Organisation reported in the United Kingdom there had been 2,040,151 confirmed cases with a daily increase of 35,928.
There had been 67,401 deaths with a daily increase of 326.
From my limited Australian perspective lockdowns are a tool and one that has not been brought to bear soon enough in the UK.
I hoped the hardship for the the British people during this Christmas period would save lives.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
Boris and his gang are boasting large about the roll out of the vaccine now, as if that’s actually going to change anything in the short term.
I enjoyed the Scottish funnies in the clip, Lloyd. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Me too, I unfortunately could only post the hyperlink for the Sturgeon clip but the ones I’ve seen are great. Also you couldn’t pump a tyre – classic! Of course we need mass roll out and the virus diminished in spread and that will take time as we’ve often discussed. In the interim we need life to be preserved not gambled with. Best wishes Pete.
The problem in England is that even if there is a lockdown, certain groups of people refuse to abide by it. We are paying the price of being a nation who are poorly educated and won’t do what they are told, even for their own good.
Ditto for the US.
Ditto for every country. Agree with both of you and thanks for the comments. Stay safe Don.
I think that is an issue worldwide im afraid John. We just got lucky here I fear. Completely agree, we all have a part to play and selfishness is not going to help anyone. Stay safe mate.