Creation of complex rules (with # of people, households, exceptions) varying by tiers has created a perverse system where people look for loopholes. Instead, focus on why this virus is risky, what we can all do to avoid getting it & passing it on & the underlying science.

Simply: transmits in indoor, poorly ventilated & crowded settings. Don't go into other people's homes. Keep distance, meet outside, & err on the side of caution. While older/vulnerable more at risk of dying, younger people can get seriously ill. Russian roulette with health.

https://twitter.com/devisridhar/stat...08604728582144

Viruses evolve faster in lazy countries that let them run rampant.

One variant (B.1.1.7) in the UK has acquired 8 mutations in a gene encoding the spike protein -- and that may help it spread faster.

Excellent piece: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020...emains-unclear

https://twitter.com/amymaxmen/status...51133058375681

No one is going to stop anyone acting as they wish over Christmas but people living in Manchester are being told if they've been in Wales they should self-isolate for 10 days and act as if they have the virus. Regardless of what people think about the politicians, or the ex-rugby players giving their "expertise", Wales is absolutely fecked if people continue to act like covid doesn't exist or doesn't need attention.