Time government levelled with the public over Covid strategy

Is it not time that the government levelled with the public over Covid? On 21 June, the reason given for delaying the release of all restrictions was in order that more vaccinations could take place. It was a race between the vaccinations and the spread of the new Delta variant. Over the ensuing period vaccination levels have slumped, partly no doubt due to under 40s not being able to receive the Astra Zeneca version. But probably more contributory has been a reluctance by some to be vaccinated. Meanwhile, the Delta variant has spread – predicted to reach 50,000 new infections a day by 19 July 2021. But apparently this does not now matter as we have effectively moved from seeking to squeeze out the variants, by a combination of vaccinations, lockdowns, masks and distancing, to the herd immunity approach. Then there are the confusing statistics. In London, vaccination levels are amongst the lowest in the country at 43% double vaccinated, compared to 65% nationwide. Yet infection rates are 167.7 per 100,000. This compares to areas like Brighton (450 plus per 100,000) and Hastings (381 per 100,000). This is an exact reversal of the position of a couple of months ago, when infection levels were much lower in those southern areas compared to the capital. So what is going on – have more people had the virus in London, so have the anti-bodies? Are there different drivers of the virus? The government must have this data, so should share it in order that we can all better understand where we are heading and why. published in part - Independent - 11/7/2021