The COVID 'tier system' is a good idea so badly mishandled that it is now worse than useless.
The idea was to have different levels of restrictions with objective criteria for applying them. This would bring clarity, equity and hence local buy-in.
But what actually happened...

First, the criteria for which area is in which tier has become morre a matter of political bargaining that case levels. Additionally the actual restrictions in the same tier vary between areas. So, rather than bringing clarity, things are more confused than ever.

Second, because it is unclear why some places are in the highest tiers, plus the fact that support for those whose businesses and jobs are affected is lower than under the March restrictions, the new measures have actually heightened rather than reduced the sense of undairness.

Third, rather than involving local Government and people, decisions have been imposed as diktats from on high. This has caused alienation and created paralysing argument when urgent action is necessary. If Government wants buy-in it must treat localities as partners, not vassals

Fourth, in the absence of adequate support, moving to higher tiers is experienced as a punishment and hence generates resistance. What is more, in a context where government equates infectiion with misbehaviiour and hence a basis for blame, it also generates resentment.

Fifth, and most critically, the Government has delayed so long that a local response is no longer adequate. It is almost a month since SAGE called for a national circuit-breaker. At that time infections were under 5,000 a day, tthey are now pushing 20,000 - a fourfold increase.

Infection rates are up in every area and ievery age group. Hospitalisations and ICU usage is sharply up. We are about to lose control of the pandemic and half-hearted actions won't get it back. The tier system was a good idea in theory, bungled in practice, now out of time.