A Bad Feather Day

Personal grooming might have deteriorated during lockdown, but sometimes you just have to go out anyway for essential food shopping, particularly when the kids are kicking up a fuss! 

Sooooo hot today, with temperatures round here in the low 30s, fortunately with a strong breeze making it a bit easier. Thunderstorms are forecast for tonight. 38C at Heathrow. Last night I got my test result by text which was negative, so that was 29 hours after it would have been collected from the priority postbox, which I think is excellent. Then I got another confirmation by email at 6am. 

R.I.P Sir Alan Parker whose death was announced today. I loved his films, The Commitments is one of my all time favourite films.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKfHC5eY5CI


Day 138 / Full Day 130 of Lockdown / Day 28 of Step 3 (for my record only)
UK deaths up 120 to 46,119 with new daily cases up by 880 (up again). The R rate is estimated at 0.8-0.9 but this is a lag measure which is unreliable on low virus no.s. Boris announces some lockdown easing measures due to start tomorrow have been delayed for at least 2 weeks due to rising virus levels. The latest ONS survey shows a rising prevalence in England as 1 in 1,500 have the virus (1 in 2,200 on 2/7), with 4,200 new cases a day up from 2,800 the previous week. So we're 'squeezing the brake pedal' and won't be allowing indoor performances, the opening of bowling alleys, leisure centres, casinos, facial treatments or wedding receptions of up to 30. In addition, the wearing of face coverings is extended to other indoor venues including cinemas, museums, art galleries and places of worship, enforceable by law from 8/8. Employers will still be allowed more discretion on where employees work and the pausing of shielding will continue. 

Test and Trace has shown that the virus spread is largely household to household in homes and as a result late last night the Health Secretary announced more restrictions in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire where it is now illegal to meet another household indoors except if in a bubble. The timing is critical given planned Eid celebrations. Given the rapid increase in cases, I would expect that some easing we've had will be withdrawn soon as we can't afford the consequences of a 2nd full lockdown. 

The CMO said that the Govt and citizens face difficult choices as we are now at the limit of what we can do in easing restrictions and that if we want more or some things we'll have less of others. Boris had a new slogan at last to make the key aspects easier to remember, 'Hands, Face, Space and get a Test' and is asking the Police to step up enforcement re face coverings. Crowds descended on beaches today, particularly Bournmouth, Brighton and Poole with roads gridlocked by 9am. I believe improved messaging needs targeting at the young, who may not be as at risk from the virus, but will probably be the worst affected group by unemployment over potentially a long time. Boris warned we might have to go further if people don't comply. A 90 day amnesty starts for firms to pay back furlough monies if they've made an error.