This degree of extreme caution wasn't expected by many UK businesses who were gearing up for a busy December, Christmas and New Year's trading - all over the country. However, the entire county of Kent is in Tier 3 {High Alert}, with Cornwall in Tier 1 (close to normal).

It's highly likely that this scenario will last well into the new year, perhaps longer. With the traditional English pub being hit hardest - after already enduring two lockdowns. And now, for the most part, ceasing to trade again - except those outlets which can provide substantial meals.

Pubs weren't even closed during the wars - although hours were reduced in WWI to encourage sobriety. Conversely in WWII, pubs stayed open to improve morale and to curtail depression and defeatism.

With the continuing closure of pubs, announced today - as well as cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues - it's difficult to see what can lift spirits. Particularly as further unemployment is inevitable - with increased taxation and severe cost cutting.

It is not helped by the fortnightly reviews. How can a business adapt to the new rules when it can all change on a whim?

Yes it is grim news and quite clear now that the Gov always had a plan to lockdown until Easter so their "death headlines" don't get any worse.

Tier 2/3 and lockdown all amount to lockdown; they just want that word gone, and tiering to be the "new normal".

Except it isn't. It is destructive, abnormal and pointless.

Wyot wrote:
Yes it is grim news and quite clear now that the Gov always had a plan to lockdown until Easter so their "death headlines" don't get any worse.

Tier 2/3 and lockdown all amount to lockdown; they just want that word gone, and tiering to be the "new normal".

Except it isn't. It is destructive, abnormal and pointless.

But how can the death rate not get worse if we are breathing on several other households over the goose and sherry?

Unless the David Icke crew are right and there never was a virus, or if it is truly trivial, but there will be no doubt by January, that's for sure.

Honey wrote:
[quote]Wyot wrote:


But how can the death rate not get worse if we are breathing on several other households over the goose and sherry? .

They will rise but overall deaths will be around normal for the time of year.

There will then be another lockdown, though as we are already in one it will be difficult to tell the difference. But it will sound as if Boris is doing something to protect us.

Boris has blamed us in advance by saying another lockdown will follow the current lockdown they call a "tier system", if we "don't obey the rules" and deaths rise.

There is no link between these two things, but that doesn't seem to matter much these days.

Tiers aren't about our health and well being. They are about a Government trying to save its own skin and protect its own:

London is in Tier 2 with infections increasing by 3% a day.

Manchester is in Tier 3 with infections falling by 3% a day.