Boris Johnson on the re-introduction of restrictions yesterday:

"We need to slow down the spread of this variant here in the UK, because measures at the border can only ever minimise and delay the arrival of a new variant rather than stop it all together"

So restrictions are being introduced to slow spread of the variant. They are needed because border controls can only slow the variant rather than stop it. But restrictions also can't stop the spread either, just slow it.

Johnson is literally spelling out that this is a waste of time.

Forgetting my evidentially informed views on the doubtful effectiveness of lockdowns, if we need to attempt to try and stop the virus (which according to the PM is the aim and justification for restrictions - see above) why are we not locking down fully this morning?

Sooth your broiling mind, though, with the realisation that this is political theatre not the science. You are not losing your mind and are able to still follow the English language.

Mr Johnson knows full well the virus will spread regardless of what we do. But something has to be seen to be being done. So it is done.

This is theatre.