How could 2022 have a better beginning? We managed to welcome in 2019 without any restrictions on Covid, despite the worst efforts of the people who wanted to lock us down.
Now in today’s Mail, Health Secretary Sajid Javid gives the strongest signal yet that there is no need for any further curbs in the foreseeable future.
We couldn’t agree more. He has a wealth statistics backing him up.
Due to an enormous vaccination increase, frequent testing, and relative weakness in the Omicron strain Omicron infection, hospitalisations haven’t risen dangerously. Chris Hopson of NHS Providers, the chief medical officer says hospitals can cope and that there is no need for more severe measures.
In today’s Mail, Health Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured on December 19) gives the strongest signal yet that there is no need for any further curbs in the foreseeable future
South Africa’s authorities have decided that Omicron is now at its maximum (with minimal impact on deaths or hospitalisation rates), and they have abolished the night-time curfew, which was in effect for 21 months.
Although there are still issues with NHS staff missing due to Covid, this will be significantly reduced by the decrease in isolation from ten to seven.
It’s surely time to follow the US and Greece and reduce it to five, as long as symptoms have eased and some minor precautions are still taken.
Javid is unable to say that the threat of infection has ended, considering the severity of the problem. But he makes the overriding point that we must learn to live with the virus – rather than panic at the first hint of any new variant.
To stand up against the majority of scientists has required courage. Most scientists, however, are coming round to his and Boris Johnson’s way of thinking.
The only thing Britain must do now is look ahead. This country has the potential to rise and is awash with positive economic indicators. It is impossible to let go of our wings.
Failure of our youth
Another two young lives were brutally ended. Another two grieving moms. Another two cold statistics from the police murder case.
It is saddeningly common, yet it still shocks. On Thursday night, two teenage boys were both stabbed in London.
The number of blade attack victims in this capital has reached a new record, at 30. Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, is being held responsible for this terrible crime.
His watch has shown that the death rate is nearly twice the amount recorded over eight years by Boris Johnson’s predecessor.
The police tape was seen at Ashburton Park near Croydon in south London. This is where London’s 29th stabbing victim, died Thursday night.
Mr Khan constantly wrings his hands over knife crime, but has failed to stem the carnage – despite shelling out £62million on an ineffectual ‘violence reduction unit’.
Cressida, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dick is worse. The problem has exploded because of her utter failure to seize the streets.
There are racial sensibilities because victims and perpetrators tend to be disproportionately drawn from the black community.
But until the police, mayor’s office and community leaders overcome them to agree a decisive, joined-up strategy, the bloodletting will only get worse. Boys will keep on going to their graves. They will continue to grieve for their uncomprehending moms.
British excellence
Some people love to bring down Britain. The achievements of the New Year honorees are a testament to how extraordinary this country is.
This list includes Covid heroes as well as sporting champions, scientists and thespians. It is full of quality talent.
Vanessa Redgrave, the icon of Trotskyism has graciously accepted a title as dame.
If that glittering array doesn’t make you proud to be British, nothing will.