The briefing today was very positive. Lots of good news. And a lovely barbed comment about DomCum.
One of the points that came out was particularly stunning, and probably wasn’t given the emphasis it should have had because of the other positive news.
The first result have come out showing the vaccines reduce transmission. They had always expected and hoped this was the case, but had refused to be drawn on it. The initial reports are suggesting a 30% lower transmission rate.
In effect this is saying the vaccine reduces the R number by about a third. Add the reduced hospitalisation rate and you end up with a massive change in the outcome. And this is why we are looking at dramatic rapid changes over the next few months.
We are being asked to carry on with precautions for a few months. Some people are asking why so long – but in reality most of us will find it hard to cope with the speed of the change in my view. Just think – in 12 weeks time we could have o restrictions. Are you ready for that?
Personally I just don’t believe it – I will not be able to cope. And with that I admit that, after watching a few episodes of One Foot in the Grave I have decided I am becoming Victor Meldrew.