Beyond the increased restrictions, reputedly the government is desperate to avoid a second national lockdown and stresses there will only be local lockdowns.

But the massive obstacle to this strategy is the strict rationing of testing for Covid-19. There is no way that local hot spots can be identified.

If it is not known where a local lockdown will be necessary, local hotspots will grow unchecked.

The huge problems with the promised “world beating” track and trace system, overseen by Johnson’s aristocratic sidekick Baroness Diana (Dido) Harding are totally undermining the government’s whole Coronavirus strategy.

So, are we reverting to the government’s original discredited strategy of herd immunity?

Reputedly Dominic Cummings expressed the view that “if that means some pensioners die, too bad”. Well, pensioners have died in their thousands. Many see that down to the government’s failure to put in place an effective track and trace system from the start.

The failures of the present system stem from its out sourcing to private companies, with no experience; large contracts given out without competitive tendering.

Andrew Milroy