Lovely Ladybirds

The ladybirds were out in force in the garden today, and I got buzzed by two huge bumblebees! I had my first go at mixing mortar and using it to bed in the block paving edging - fingers crossed. This morning I watched Djokovic win his 9th Australian Open in straight sets - I'm not keen on his attitude and behaviour, so was disappointed he won. 

Day 342 / Day 47 of Lockdown 3 (for my record only)
UK deaths up 215 to 120,580 (revised basis), with 10,406 new cases, 18,462 patients in hospital, 2,469 on ventilation and 1,397 new admissions. c17.6m have now received their first dose of the vaccine, representing over a third of the adult population in the UK. The Health Secretary has said that the first dose of a vaccine appears to reduce your chances of transmitting the disease by 'about two-thirds', but more evidence is needed. He also said that the Govt's target is now to offer a vaccine to all adults in the UK by the end of July, with the over 50's and clinically vulnerable having been vaccinated by 15th Apr. Israel has lifted some restrictions following the progress made in its vaccination programme as the risk of being ill with coronavirus falls 95.8% after the 2nd dose and it's 98.9% effective in preventing hospitalisations and death. Surge testing has started in the CM13 postcode in Brentwood after 1 case of the South African variant was found. Matt Hancock says that there was evidence that the no. of cases of the South African and Brazil variant are falling in the UK due to the stricter border measures and enhanced contract tracing. The MHRA is investigating the firm awarded a £30m contract for vials for Covid testing, which is run by a man who used to run a pub near Matt Hancock's old constituency home. The Guardian reported he'd been in contact with MH via WhatsApp.