Greek chief epidemiologist, Dr Tsiodras: “I wouldn’t like to be in the position of countries that opted for herd immunity strategies, before we knew much about this virus; before we had basic data like rate of infection, immunity or mortality. They mourn thousands of dead.” 1/

Greek chief epidemiologist, Dr Tsiodras (cont’d): “I think our strategy has been proved right and has been widely praised. We gave our health system time to adjust. Each day we arm ourselves with further research, more data, better diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.” 2/

If I understand this right, countries like the UK who jumped headlong into herd immunity strategies, did so before they could even know whether such a thing was possible, with this particular virus. Our gov’t gambled with thousands of lives. 3/

I think Johnson, Cummings & Co just repeated “GETTING BREXIT DONE” so much, this defiance of risk, refusal to listen, this RECKLESSNESS, became the default. When the pandemic came along, so pumped on adrenaline and electoral success were they, a change of tone was impossible. 4/

They just beat their chest and said “WE’RE GONNA GET COVID DONE.” I do not exclude the possibility that, in the early stages, such was their paranoia, they may have even dismissed warnings on this disease, as yet another way their enemies were trying to scupper Brexit. Tragic. 5/