The UK is now approaching its third Christmas of the COVID pandemic. And this year feels different. There’s little question we’re in a better position compared with 2020 and 2021.
In 2020, Christmas plans were significantly curtailed, with a range of restrictions in place across the UK. But winter social mixing that took place before a full national lockdown was implemented in early January 2021 caused the number of deaths to rise quickly, reaching levels similar to those in the first wave.
At the same time a new variant, alpha, was starting to spread. On a brighter note, the first vaccine doses were beginning to be administered, offering hope for suppressing the pandemic.
