We are in Tier 4 now, although cases are not currently bad here I think they're anticipating a surge with Christmas and the new variant which spreads faster. It's confusing because there are areas with higher rates per 100,000 who are in Tier 3. I'm unsure why. Maybe it's hospital capacity.

I'm not happy about it but also think a pre-emptive strike is better than being reactive too late as has happened before.

We have a friend whose family have it and she's quite poorly with underlying conditions so hoping she'll be okay.

That's great news Deilla about your step dad improving and your mum managing to stay healthy.

My parents both got the Pfizer vaccine and due their booster next month, so grateful for that. On Monday the Oxford vaccine is being rolled out and supposed to be a game changer as it is massively more affordable and requires only regular refrigeration, the Pfizer one is difficult to store and transport because of exceptionally low temps required. So hopefully 2021 will be better for many of us especially the vulnerable groups.