So as the UK appears to be heading to another crisis which would warrant another lockdown, NZ has managed to limit disruption over the whole pandemic both socially and economically.
I was thinking back to last summer when Covid numbers fell rapidly – we had the tiered system in place then I believe. Numbers of people id congregate at some beaches like Durdle Dor, but there was no widespread spreading of the virus. And this is with hindsight (although those in Government should have access to data which means they should have greater ability to force problems), but large gatherings of people at events like the BoardMasters in Cornwall may have been premature.
Reports in the papers state that mask wearing is still high – not round here it isn’t! Sensible restrictions on pubs and clubs would have been, are still would be prudent. Numbers of deaths are climbing, albeit lower than we have seen before, but are now including in the 100+ a day about 50% who have been double vaccinated. The Astra-Zeneca vaccine is reported to drop in efficacy from 90% to 60% (rough figures) in 6 months and Pfizer in a similar proportion. Double vax no longer seems like a passport to party!
The governments stop go approach to restrictions, lack of enforcement or promotion, and economic driven policies are hitting the economy. The pingdemic was a result of poor planing not the app. itself. Sumak is already playing the austerity card in discussions. he needs to be careful. Many hospitality venues are yet to fully reopen or develop enough trade to repay the loans he will be calling in soon. Maybe there is a need for rather a lot of firms to go bust – many pubs and restaurants were struggling before 2021 – public money should not subsidies these locations – Jamie Oliver took a big hit when closing his restaurants – maybe the same needs to happen to others.
However to counter this the Chancellor needs to look carefully at the impact o our High Streets and town centres; shopping habits have changed forever, as have employment practices with home working. The Chancellor needs to be fleet of foot in adapting to the footfall changes in our towns and cities.