A Back Garden Sunset

There was a cracking sunset this evening that I could see from my back garden, in reality I think it was even more red than the photo. It only lasted a few minutes, but lovely to see. Lots of jobs done today - Sainsbury's delivery; replacement microwave delivered (only used once but sounds ok); a boot full of things taken to the charity shop; did some housework etc. 

Day 612 / Day 123 of Step 4 of Roadmap Easing (for my record only)
There was a big jump today in daily cases, up to 46,807, with a 14.5% increase in the last week. Cases are highest across the UK in children aged 5-9. Angela Merkel in Germany said that 'the situation is serious, it is dramatic'. Compared to the rest of Europe, Germany has a relatively low vaccine rate (similar to that in the UK). German politicians have approved new Covid measures, still to go through the upper house. Measures include a requirement for employees to prove they've been vaccinated, have recovered from Covid or tested negative. Some of Germany's xmas markets are being cancelled due to high case rates and others are having alcohol banned. Germany's vaccine advisory board has recommended boosters for all over 18s. Russia reported another record high no. of 1,251 daily deaths. The Netherlands has recorded its highest ever number of Covid cases. The variant of Delta now accounts for 1 in 10 cases in England per the REACT-1 study, which found it is more infections than Delta, but is less likely to cause symptoms. A paper, yet to be peer reviewed, has identified 3 proteins (cytokines) in people suffering from long Covid. The proteins have a 'functional role in pain perception, anxiety, depression and inflammatory symptoms.' A review by the University of Michigan estimates that over 40% of Covid survivors worldwide have had lingering after effects - that's over 100m people. A trial has shown that the AZ antibody cocktail delivered into muscle within 3 days of symptoms, reduced 'the risk of developing severe COVID-19 or death (from any cause) by 88% compared to a placebo - trial participants were deemed to be high risk. 3,743 people care home staff in England left during the week vaccination became a mandatory requirement.