Covid update. New restrictions loom but not before Christmas Day.

 December 22^nd 2021.

 

 

Covid update.

 

There are around 90,000 new infections every day in the UK. Omicron cases are spreading fast, but I can’t find any data what % of the 90k they are.

No new restrictions have been implemented before Christmas but reading between the lines, between Christmas and New Year and thereafter will be a different story.

 

We have curtailed our mixing with others, so we don’t get ill at Christmas or have to self-isolate during the Christmas period. A cancelled event is better than a cancelled life warns WHO.

Several friends have had plans changing as people have tested positive and are unable to attend family gatherings or be able to travel.

 

Covid isolation has been cut from 10 days to 7 in an attempt to get people back working faster as the Omicron variant has caused staff shortages for business health services and rail services. People can stop self-isolating up to 3 days early if they test negative twice.

 

Boris Jonson has ruled out any new restriction for England, but Scotland, Wales and NI have all announced curbs on social mixing.

Hogmanay events have been cancelled in Scotland and football matches and outdoor events have been limited to 500 persons.

 

European nations have also reinstated restrictions.

 

Spain has reported the highest number of daily cases since the start of the pandemic and France has issued a warning that cases will soon pass the 100k marker.

France also began vaccinating children between ages of 5 and 11 this week.

Germany announced from 28/12, limits of 10 people will be put on private gatherings and nightclubs will close. Football matches to be played behind closed doors from that date.

Portugal has ordered bars and nightclubs to shut from Dec 26^th and WFH is obligatory until Jan 9^th.

Finland sees bars and restaurants closing at 10pm on Christmas eve as it sees infections at a record level.

Only seated guests will be served in Sweden and again WFH if possible.

 

Omicron has been detected in 38 of the 53 countries in the WHO European region.

It is still not known how ill people will become if they get the Omicron variant.

 

Bryan May has reported that he has tested positive and is urging people to get the vaccination. 

Carlos Marin from II Divo has died from Covid after contracting the disease twice he was 53.

 

Well after all that we are set for Christmas. Goose, stuffings, puddings, sausage rolls and mince pies have all been purchased or made. 

The tree is up and decorated, presents are wrapped, and all the shopping done. Ian nearly had to be physically restrained upon entering the supermarket as he went into “Christmas food shopping and possible lockdown mode”

If anyone is short of anything, I am sure we could help out but getting Ian to part with it might be another issue. I keep pointing out there are only 3 of us and how much food and wine does he expect us to eat/drink, After all its only 2 days really. 

Tempers are running a bit short at times, perhaps we are getting a bit old for all this fuss?? We are nearly prepared so all will be calm by the time Christmas eve arrives.

Willow spends his evenings lying in front of the fire with his Catnip filled Santa sock securely within his grasp. He is a happy chappie.

 

Its freezing cold here today and really heavy frost this morning but a dullish and overcast day. Christmas day is set to be warmer and there is a strange weather front which will either bring really warm weather or colder weather and snow. Weathermen are heading their bets at present as to which way it will go.

 

Well unless something happens that needs recording that’s me done for this year. Hopefully 2022 will see the end of this damn virus well here’s to a lot of less restrictions and freedom of choice anyway.

Covid Diary Dec 2021

 14^th December 2021.

 

Another year is nearly over but sadly covid is not. Omicron the newest variant is increasing at a rapid pace.

Is there another lockdown looming or Christmas restrictions?

Boris made a Downing street announcement on Sunday evening announcing Plan B restrictions to slow the spread of Covid and the Omicron variant. This includes face coverings on public transport and in enclosed spaces including shops. So far, no restrictions have been imposed on the hospitality industry, but people are cancelling bookings. Work from home if you can is also implemented, but some companies are still insisting that staff come to the workplace.

A massive drive to get all adults vaccinated or have an appointment booked, by the end of the year is underway. Walk In clinics have been set up and there are massive queues throughout the country. A million boosters per day is the target.

Marlow vaccination centre is fully booked until Christmas and they are short of people to administer the vaccine. A roving vaccine van came to Marlow yesterday morning and was completely out of vaccine by lunchtime. I know that the age range has changed but some of the over 50s still had not booked when allowed to.

A neighbour caught Covid at a works party and it is spreading throughout the household.

I have read that 2 doses of the AZ vaccine 6 months ago will now only give a 10% protection the booster will however significantly increase that.

Omicron is currently accounting for 20% of cases in England. The Health secretary has warned that hospital admissions will drastically increase.

MPs will vote later today on a set of measures aimed at slowing the spread. 70 MPs are said to be voting against, but the Labour party are voting for.

Scotland are to set new guidelines on social distancing but there will be exceptions around Christmas.

A warning has gone out that the real number of Omicron infections per day is 200,000. 54,000 + was the reported number yesterday. 

 

We went to the Vanilla pod on Friday but were safely tucked into the private dining room with Colleen, Pauric, Martyn and Sue. It was very good indeed. 

Tomorrow we are going to one of the walking groups Christmas dinner. Not feeling so happy about it to be honest but there we are. Another get together on Saturday has been cancelled which all concerned are happy about. Then we can keep ourselves safe and well to hopefully enjoy a good Christmas.

 

As I write this the BBC has just announced that the variant is spreading faster than ever and we are in for a difficult 4 weeks. 

 

Well we are all set for Christmas and hopefully Joyce will be able to come down this year. Time will tell