The whole thing has been an absolute shit show. What is more disappointing is that despite this, and the fact so many have died as a result of his incompetence, there's still no pressure on him to step down.
Every single decision they've made has been idiotic. You can say "in hindsight" all you want, but they've lacked an ability to grasp this virus from day 1. Their scientific advisors have been awful as well. The only caveat is we don't know what they've actually advised, only what they claim to have so maybe they're just a scapegoat now.
From the moment he talked about herd immunity and shaking hands with patients on a covid ward, to weeks later looking like he was about to die, he should have known this required much more than his typical half-arsed way of dealing with anything.
Blame has been placed on the public for not following rules. Rules which are unclear and that the police have had no real power, or clue how to enforce. No definition of local. Allowing these "bubbles" which are basically just household mixing. Encouraging people to go eat out to help out and mix. Telling people Christmas is on then cancelling it. Telling kids and parents schools were safe then shutting them the next day.
You couldn't make it up.
You can look at other countries and claim their population densities/age profiles etc are reasons they've handled things differently/better. But truly it comes down to leadership. Those that have acted quickly and clearly have got a handle on things. Our world leading track and trace system never once did what was required. By the time it started working (has it?!) no one bothered using it. The testing was insufficient. Hospitals never imposed proper protocols for dealing with it and still many healthcare professionals remain unvaccinated when they should be the priority as they are at the heart of this.
And the appalling death rates from care homes at the very start of this pandemic... well that's unforgivable. Sending people back without testing them. It's just fucking basic stuff this. Nothing about this virus is hard to understand. They've made it the most complicated thing on earth when it's fucking simple.
