Basing stats on tests done is not brilliant as the test numbers are volatile and have varied over time, hence a changing base making comparisons useless.
I think hospital admissions gives a more consistent comparison, albeit ignoring positive tests that result in minor symptoms and simple treatment. If testing had been consistent then it would be a more realistic measure.
When our town of about 35,000 was put into a localised lockdown the wider county cases showed 10 new with 8 of those linked to the town. Note the term linked. That gives 228/million rate for the very localised area. The first specific town to be locked down.
I am not impressed with the official press conferences. The regions have been better than the Westminster ones.
Here in Wales I am not a big fan of the First Minister or his Health Secretary but they have been far better than Boris and his entourage. Likewise Scotland and NI have been better. The style, wording, descriptions given are far superior to Boris ones. Boris does not come over as a good orator no matter how he tries to “sex it up” . The clearest and best has been the Chancellor. Simple language and explanations. No political bullshit and non committal, deniability creating rubbish or obvious career politician non information.
Also there is a continuing apparent reluctance to work closely with the devolved governments with repeated failure to communicate for a national strategy.
I feel the Welsh assembly has taken a better attitude to measures especially with identifying the now prolonged hotspot areas. The bottom line is we, the population, are the main cause of spread by relaxing vigilance. The easing of measures coupled with this has caused a move towards a second wave. I think the easing sowed thoughts of the virus disappearing when it is still there.
Christmas is going to be interesting!
