WEEK 60 CORONAVIRUS: RISE OF INDIA VARIANT

The rest of the country is to have their lockdown level eased but not our part, i.e. Glasgow.  There has been an outbreak of the Indian variant and therefore no easing will take place. In one week an assessment will be done.  Quite right, of course, but regrettable. I reluctantly have to take the stance of an auld Scottish wifey who, with a voice of doom would state: "Mark my word-r-r-ds, this is not going to bode well." It is set to become the dominant virus (as is the nature of viruses when they mutate). 

At the moment "The UK has seen the number of cases of this variant of concern [India varient] almost triple in the past week to 1,313 from 520 the week before."

It's a pity we did not have a few more weeks before this rise.  The vaccination of 38-39 year olds is just starting.  It means that with lockdown easing and the variant being 3 times as transmissible it is going to be the younger age group who will be catching it (and spreading it). 

It is simply not known if people will get sicker or not, or have any greater/ lesser 'long term' covid illness.

So for us in Glasgow (and also people in Morayshire) we have to continue to keep our 2 metre distance, wear masks, not socialise indoors, stay in our local area.

This joke came from Jane in Canada. It is a variation on the Schiller line in play The Maid of Orleans) (1801, Act II, Scene 4:

 "... Against stupidity the very gods 

Themselves contend in vain."

(The way I recite it to myself on all those occasions when I want to give someone a piece of my mind is

"Against stupidity event the gods struggle in vain."

Oh well ... the garden is getting a lot of attention.  The weather dry but is not particularly  warm; here are recent photos:

Always good company in the garden are the birds.  This blackbird is particularly vocal!

Not my flowers but ones in the garden centre - Calla lillies.

And the last word must go to this world-wise woman, again from Jane: