July has not been especially cold but nevertheless, we have all got sick. Despite being vaccinated, Ann and I both contracted the flu (though the duration and severity was short). I don't think I've had the flu in 40 years so it was rather a nasty experience and way worse, relatively speaking, than my two of three times at the hands of Covid 19.

It does seem a world away now, that whole descent into a thick grey Covid fog that happened five years ago. At the time the measures taken in Australian and NZ did not seem overly outrageous, but with hindsight, I think there was too much panic and not enough clear thinking. The hit to people's social and working lives continues to be with us and apparently there are still kids too shy or fearful to go to school.

I certainly don't blame public officials - they did their best and doubtless saved lives - but next time (and there will be a next time), perhaps a more nuanced strategy would be best. Protect the vulnerable populations and let the healthy get on with making a living.