Coronavirus diary, Saturday 13 February 2021

The darkest clouds over Britain cast by coronavirus appear to be lifting. The number of cases is falling, hospitals, while still treating nearly 25,000,  are less stressed and the success of the vaccination programme - almost 15 million have had their first dose - is contributing to greater confidence. 

The Office for National Statistics report that infection levels in all four countries are falling. Wales has good reason to be cheerful, Its vaccination record - 640,000 including everyone in the top four priorities and 140,000 care homes residents, is the best in the UK. First Minister Mark Drakeford has thanked the NHS staff and the thousands of volunteers for their ‘phenomenal' efforts. At local lever, Sunrise Cardiff, there is the heartening news that with 100% positive testing of residents and staff we can at last have visitors. Wisely, considering past disappointments, all the governments are reminding us that we must not relax or the sun won't break through the clouds.