The coronavirus pandemic is like a thriller with its twists and turns. Each chapter leaving us wondering what is coming next.
Today the mystery deepens. The mood darkens.
After being heartened by the success of the reopening of schools and universities, there is huge disappointment at the very substantial increase in cases - over 3,000 in England yesterday.
Strict new restrictions have been introduced with local lockdowns in some towns throughout Britain. One of the worst affected is Caerphilly.
Suddenly, the optimism of the prime minister has turned to what appears to panic with the rule that 'gatherings' in England must be limited to six, indoors and out.
Just a few weeks ago he was confidently forecasting a happy Christmas. He has just admitted he was wrong; it will probably be the unhappiest one since the war.
Adding to the gloom, his chief health adviser issues an unnecessary warning that the restrictions could last until spring.
Perhaps so, but this is just the tactic that might encourage people, especially the frustrated young, to act stupidly, putting everyone at risk.
With his rose tinted glasses on, Mr Johnson is now offering us a 'moonshot' solution to testing, a system that, he says, will result in millions of people - the whole population, in fact - being tested, with results in twenty minutes.
Naturally, it will be the best in the world, like the abysmal testing system for which the director responsible has made an abject apology. The failure has led to people travelling hundreds of miles to get a test.
The experts are far from optimistic, implying it might not be possible. As usual, the prime minister blames people for 'taking unnecessary tests.
Then there is the disappointment of the promising Oxford University vaccine trial being paused with one volunteer taken to hospital.
So, onto the next chapter of our thriller.
Will our hero solve the mystery? Will there be last page revelations? Will there be a happy Christmas after all?
We shall see.
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