Another Sunny Afternoon

More rain this morning, then the clouds completely disappeared to leave a clear blue sky. I went over for a walk at Weybourne again, but I hadn't expected it to be quite as windy as it was. So only a 45 min walk in the end, but with the wind and the shingle it was still a work out and certainly cleared the cobwebs. Such scary news about Ukraine today.

Day 708 / Day 27 Post Plan B (for my record only)
The TV briefing last night was only shown on the BBC News channel, so unfortunately most people won't have seen what the CMO and CSA has to say, which was much more measured. Boris rushed through his statement, then the 'grown-ups' took over to offer some perspective and be clearer about the risks. Lots of talk of protecting the 'most vulnerable', but I couldn't see that see has been clearly defined, and there was a lack of detail as to how. The CMO said the Omicron wave is still high, and that future winters will be tricky with or without new variants as we will have both Covid and flu. The CSA said that this pandemic is not over....and not out of it here yet, and that these changes will increase transmission. That there is no guarantee the next variant is as reduced severity as Omicron and that the change in severity is a random by product of change for increased transmissibility. He said we need good surveillance, to respond quickly when needed (within a couple of weeks), and to protect the sections of the population that are most vulnerable by detecting the illness, getting antivirals and getting vaccinated. He added that testing must be there for those who need it and that definition is critical. He also said he'd like the rates of infection to be lower. The CMO added that it's unclear how we get antivirals to those who need them - which is worrying. 

The Queen cancelled planned virtual engagements for today, but it's said she will continue with light duties whilst suffering from Covid. In Scotland, the Covid certification scheme will end on 28th Feb; and mask wearing in indoor settings and public transport will change from a legal requirement to a recommendation from 21st Mar. In contrast to England, PCR tests will be available for free to those with symptoms; LFTs will remain free in the transition phase for people going into a crowded place or mixing with someone who is clinically vulnerable; and people are still asked to self-isolate if they test positive with support payments still available. The BMA warns that the changes 'fail to protect those at highest risk of harm...and neglect some of the most vulnerable people in society.'  Blood Cancer UK said the move has created 'anxiety and anger' and has called for more economic support and easier access to treatments. Unsurprisingly, the Govt website ran out of free LFT kits for home delivery in England due to both demand and as numbers have been capped, and can now only be ordered every 3 days rather than daily. Clarifications have had to be provided today - NHS staff will be provided with free tests, care home visitors will not after 1st April, the cost of tests has not been clarified.