The new “variant of concern” is spreading globally and there is clearly a lot of interest in what it means for the virus to spread over the Christmas period, regulations and restrictions, and the longer-term development of the pandemic.
I have been asked to provide an up-to-date review of the omicron outbreak, focusing on the UK. This article has just appeared on The Conversation. I hope it provides a balanced review, as omicron is really a mixed bag of good and bad news.
I am sorry for not having more positive news for Christmas, but I do hope the new year 2022 will be a better one.
In the Christian tradition, Christmas is a celebration of hope revealed, although not yet fully accomplished. It is also a time of joy, peace and family get-together.
It is therefore so appropriate in the time of the pandemic to recall words written nearly 2,000 years ago:
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (…) on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased
Lk 2:10, 14, ESV.