What a strange world coronavirus has created. After more than a year we cannot predict what lies ahead. Uncertainty still rules with countries experiencing widely different results. Some, which had been hailed for their success in their prevention methods, are now struggling to cope with worse than ever infection and death rates, while others, including the UK, seem to be edging towards normality.
With our vaccination process going full speed, deaths down drastically - below ten one day - and fewer than 5,000 hospital patients, there is reason to be cheerful.
But coronavirus is still a threat and will be for months, years even, and we must ensure that the risk is kept low.
We will have to accept it as we have accepted flu, with regular annual vaccinations. As with coronavirus, flu, with its many variants, is still a danger, especially for the elderly.
If the next month on the recovery road is benign the demand for a quicker route to normal life will grow, presenting the governments with a dilemma.
If they give way and there is the predicted third wave they will be blamed, if they remain cautious they will still be criticised.
The position is further complicated by next month’s elections where present leaders may be replaced and political opponents in charge, with their own ideas.
One obvious need is greater co-operation between the four administrations. The Prime Minister’s antagonism towards Scotland is a danger to the UK, but even worse in the long run is his reluctance to work with Wales and Northern Ireland.
Since he gave up the Cobra meetings they have been left in the the dark on many decisions which affect them. This must stop. If not there is long term risk of the devolved nations rebelling and going their own way.
More uncertainty to add to the coronavirus conundrum.
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