The Government’s scientists have given a bleak reminder that the battle against Covid is far from won.
The number of infections, hospital admissions and deaths are all on the rise.
As chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance noted, the virus is not under control, and all indicators are heading in the wrong direction.
The hope is the “rule of six” measures and local lockdowns will start to turn the tide. We pray that will be the case.
To avoid a second national lockdown, everyone must follow the rules.
And this would be easier if the instructions issued by the Government were clearer and did not contain so many discrepancies.
It is telling that even the Prime Minister’s dad, Stanley Johnson, forgot the need to wear a face covering when in a shop.
It would also help if we had a fully functioning test and trace system in operation.
The vast majority want to do the right thing. They do not want the sacrifices already made by so many people to go to waste.
They will continue to play their part. The Government now needs to do its bit.
Trump threat
The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was a truly dispiriting spectacle.
A chance to discuss the challenges facing the most powerful country in the world was reduced to an undignified slanging match.
It was mainly the President’s fault. He kept talking over Biden and hurling cheap abuse.
Even by Trump’s standards it was shocking that he refused to condemn white supremacists and told the Proud Boys to “stand by”.
Just as alarming was his refusal to say he would accept the election result.
He poses a threat to the democracy on which America was built.
A rush of pud
The latest Covid clampdown has led to people panic buying Christmas puddings.
They are flying off the elf...
