It's going to be an anxious four weeks to Christmas, a critical phase in the struggle to contain coronavirus.
After signs that the tide might be turning, the second wave dashed hope that the end might be in sight, boosted by the vaccine news.
Today, the pendulum has swung again to optimism after a study suggests that the infection rate in England has dropped by a third and the infection rate is slowing.
Researchers at Imperial College London say the infection rate is the lowest since the summer and the R rate is below 1.
It may come as some relief for the 99% of England will be in tier 2 and 3 of the three tier system which the government hopes will pave the way for the five day Christmas break.
As usual there is scepticism over the statistics, and opposition to the tier by many areas who say they are unfair.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are still going their own way.
Wales is enjoying the most freedom after its lockdown. Northern Ireland is into a two week lockdown break while most of Scotland is under its own strict six tier system.
This divergence again emphasises the need for a unified approach which, apart from the agreement over the Christmas break, looks unlikely.
So we enter December with hope but still lingering doubts about how long the misery will last.
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