Pretty in Pink

I walked in Sheringham Park this morning with H. We got caught in a couple of short showers, but it was good to get out and have a chat. These early flowering rhododendrons were a delight to see in such gloomy times, so I thought I'd share them.

I had my 6 monthly blood test this morning and heard that at the moment vaccinations for a lot of North Norfolk are only being given in Cromer. They've only had one small batch of vaccines so far just before xmas. The surgery has plans for delivering vaccines, but are 'in the dark' over whether they will be used - quite shocking communication.

Day 296 / Day 1 of Lockdown 3 (for my record only)
UK deaths up 830 to 76,305* (revised basis), with 60,916 new cases (a new record), 23,857 patients in hospital and1,847 on ventilation (* no's revised for 1/1 affecting total). 3,075 new patients admitted today, it passed 2,000 per day only on 16th Dec and only passed 3,000 a day 5 times in the first peak. ONS infection survey indicates that 1 in 50 people in private households in England had the virus between Dec 27th and Jan 2nd, that's over 1m people. 1.1m now given a first vaccination in England, 1.3m in UK including 23% of over 80s. When questioned by the Press about the 12 week gap between vaccinations, the CMO admitted there are some unknowns including a theoretical risk an 'escaped mutant'. The CSA added that there is more evolutionary pressure as we vaccinate and different vaccines will be needed in due course. The Press also asked about the South African variant and the CSA said there are more changes in the shape of the viral protein which might affect the efficacy of the vaccine and this is being tested. The CMO also said that some controls might still be required next Winter. The Chancellor revealed new one-off grants of up to £9k for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. This and other measures will cost £4.6bn. Paperchase is on the brink of going into administration. Joe Wicks is returning to do 3 online sessions of PE a week for kids whilst schools are closed. The BBC has announced 5 hours of broadcast programmes a day for primary and secondary school pupils.