We need more common sense approach to Covid

THIS is becoming a pattern. Lockdown, breakout, lockdown, a bit of freedom and then a review.

After that, the whole weary cycle resumes. Today, it’s the turn of the review, following two weeks of semi-captivity.

The current system is being retained and extended in the brief run-up before our Christmas five-day, let-your-hair-andguard-down relaxathon.

Many people are having second thoughts about the wisdom of this abandonment of discipline. Mrs R thinks it’s gone way too far.

Amid rising infection levels, London joined most of the North and Midlands early today in the most restrictive Tier 3, involving limited human contact. The capital city is different. It’s really a country, with a cosmopolitan population greater than some European nations.

I lived in or near it for most of my adult life. It’s a joy and an ordeal.

When London shuts down, so does the UK. Like it or hate it (and I do both), it’s still the beating heart of the state. What’s decided there affects us all.

Another lockdown review is due on December 30, but with MPs on their festive break, the next phase will simply be imposed by Her Maj’s Super-Jockey, aka Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

I hate to say it, but I agree with Mrs R that we should keep current restrictions until January 27 at least, when Parliament has another vote on how we live our lives.

By then, the vaccine campaign should be well under way. My 82-year-old brother is waiting for his call from the clinic.

Meanwhile, as Christmas beckons us all to jollity, let’s use our common sense, which is not as common as you may think.