Prime Minister to hold press conference at 16.00

But have lockdowns worked. Look at Wales didn't make any difference. People are going to get it and some like any virus will unfortunately die. But everybody I know all are extremely careful and we carry on with our lives without the need of a tier 4. It's mostly the youngsters who spread it, but schools are kept open? I will carry on with my mask, washing hands avoiding crowds not mixing with people outside family But my daughter is delivering and collecting Christmas presents today so technically I'm breaking the rules. My risk, my choice.

Good lm glad. Itwas sheer madness for everyone to mix for 5 days.
What ever peoples politics are they need to stop point scoring and work together to get us through this.pandemic. Sick of the bitching between parties

I seriously think who ever was in charge they are most definitely dammed if they do and dammed if they don’t but I do wish they would make their “rules” understandable and fair to all “

For goodness sake. What’s most important - meeting up with countless family and friends this year, or being able to really celebrate next year.

There are tough restrictions in most of Europe now.

it's time people took responsibility for their own actions don't blame Boris for the tier 4 lockdown it's down to a small minority of people who don't give a dame about the population in this country look around you you see them every day in supermarkets walking close together in the streets with no masks and on the television on the news programs all breaking the rules no wonder we are in tier 4 wake up britain

"We just need facts, not pronouncements and wishful thinking"
Couldn't agree more Luckygirl.

Well said HurdyGurdy. He is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. I doubt there is a person in this country who would like his job.

Not surprised that London and SE are in the new tier 4, but angry that this is the same government that threatened London boroughs with with legal action when they (wisely IMO) wanted to close a few days early because of mounting cases of infection. And a couple of hours notice to tell so called non essential businesses and close contact services to close is not acceptable.
On a personal level, it will not alter our Christmas plans, although all the gifts I've failed to buy might well now be something from the supermarket!

Casdon

Jane10 medical staff wear PPE, and are in contact with Covid + or potential all the time, that’s why they are asked to turn the Track and Trace off whilst at work, as are other frontline healthcare workers. Otherwise they would be contacted daily, because the Track and Trace system can’t differentiate between NHS and care staff when they are at work but PPE protected, and when they aren’t.

Thanks for your clarification. Of course it makes sense.

Gwiz.

yes, there are. those who blame the government should be looking at the ABSURD, SELFISH, IGNORANT people who think everyone else is to blame, blaming the government. it is those who don't wear masks, don't social distance, don't understand the science who are to blame. this is a mutation that started in october slowly but has just taken off like a bat out of hell. italy, belgium, germany, australia among others are doing the same.

Pretty sure which ever party was in charge the sh1t show would still be happening. My dad is dying because his cancer treatment was delayed and now it’s spread to his spine and hips.
I’ve been following guidelines and limiting my contact through all of this. I’m wondering how many people have to get sick and die not only due to this wretched thing but the impact of it on services.

Boris maintains the government are "following the science"; well given that "the science" has been urging a backytrack on the 5 days relaxation over Christmas due to the risks and Boris refused to listen I don't see how they can possibly have been following the science at all. Done the right thing now - but far too late in the day and even then only because his hand was forced.
Sadly I don't see things being any different next Christmas either, with a new strain that just doesn't seem able to be controlled at all which will be growing far quicker than vaccines can be administered, and it is only a matter of a short time before some mutation which the vaccine won't address.

I thought Whitty looked as if he was bursting to say something today.

He looked really uncomfortable.

farview - I have exactly the same feeling about Chris Whitty. It worries me.

I really do wish that BJ would not make pronouncements like "We have the best track and trace system", "It would be inhuman to change the Christmas rules" - I just wish he would talk in a measured, statesmanlike and thoughtful way. He sounds more like Trump every day.

We just need facts, not pronouncements and wishful thinking.

Jane10 medical staff wear PPE, and are in contact with Covid + or potential all the time, that’s why they are asked to turn the Track and Trace off whilst at work, as are other frontline healthcare workers. Otherwise they would be contacted daily, because the Track and Trace system can’t differentiate between NHS and care staff when they are at work but PPE protected, and when they aren’t.

I am relieved in a way. I AM going to do doorstep drop offs tomorrow, I am lucky my children and grandchildren all live locally. I will place gifts on doorsteps, knock, then step back behind gates,say hello, blow a kiss then leave. We have all decided planned get togethers are cancelled.

Yes Hetty I must admit to feeling partially relived. Part of me is disappointed not to be seeing the GC, but the 'sensible' side is actually glad that the government are saying that we can't get together, so the decision has been made for us.

I think a lot of people who felt obligated to invite, (or be a guest) against their better judgement, will now be feeling much better.

I decided long ago to stay at home and miss this one. Now, people will stop saying 'Bah humbug'.

Yes Hetty58 but will people obey the rules ? We had already decided to have no family for Christmas and the border will now be closed anyway . They cannot just do nothing and hope for the best . I must admit to hating Christmas and get a horribly feeling of dread as it looms nearer but this year it has been fine . I am glad , though , that we pushed the boat out for all the family and especially the oldest member who is over 80 , last year . Will I miss all that cooking ? I sure will not .

Does anyone else feel relieved that all the plans for get togethers are now reduced or curtailed?

Jane10, way back in April, nurses with Coronavirus were begged to keep working on the Covid wards 'as everyone has it anyway'. There simply are no replacement medical staff to be summoned up from anywhere.

Thanks Urm I am sad about not seeing the boys, but it is the right thing to do and lives are at stake here.

Bring on that vaccine pdq.

Oh god Jane10 this is like a plot in some dystopian novel. It’s beyond scary.

I just heard a worrying thing. Our neighbour, a hospital doctor says that he and all his colleagues have been told to switch off their phones so 'track and trace' can't phone them. Otherwise they might have had to quarantine.
He's had his first dose of vaccine which is good but it's not great to hear that potentially infected medical staff are blindly working. ?