Two million more people were today placed under stricter Covid-19 rules.
Businesses and families in Liverpool, Warrington, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool face a tough time.
However they should take heart from research showing that similar measures elsewhere could be starting to pay off.
Scientists at Imperial College London say there is evidence the R rate of infections has begun to fall since the Rule of Six and local lockdowns were introduced.
While it is too early to make a conclusive judgement it underlines the need for people to follow the guidance.
This would be easier if regulations issued by the Government were easier to understand and more consistent.
People would also be more willing to make the necessary sacrifices if they knew ministers were getting on top of testing.
A fully functioning testing programme is key to controlling the virus. Yet NHS Test and Trace is getting worse with even fewer being contacted. The problem is lack of leadership.
A sister’s fear
The shocking killing of George Floyd is still reverberating around the world.
In tomorrow’s Mirror his sister, LaTonya, speaks for the first time about his death.
She has chosen to break her silence because she is fearful what will happen if Donald Trump is re-elected US President next month.
In four years he has taken America back 40 years, stoking divisions and fomenting hatred.
In the Presidential TV debate he hit a new low by giving succour to white supremacists.
Black Americans such as LaTonya fear the violence that has scarred America in recent months will get worse should Trump win a second term. She is right to be alarmed.
RIP Halloween
Covid means there will be no trick or treating this Halloween.
Once the virus struck the annual tradition never had a ghost of a chance.
