Today feels like a case of one vaccine step forward, one variant step back.

We discovered a late Christmas present had arrived in the shape of the approval of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the United Kingdom, and that the government had ordered enough doses to add to those of the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine to protect our adult population as quickly as they can be administered.

But new and highly transmissible variants of the COVID-19 virus, together with winter and unwise breaching of old restrictions, have delivered a surge in infections and an NHS busier even than it was in April when the pandemic felt frighteningly out of control.

All of which means that regions have moved Tiers, including us, now in Tier 3 from 2, and our Cheshire neighbours, who move from 3 into 4.

The changes kick in at one minute past midnight, tomorrow - in about 8 hours.

We have lived through Tier 3 before so understand its constraints, though clearly the local hospitality trade is going to bear the brunt of them again.

Restaurants reduced to takeaway and delivery services only, or who opt to close their doors, will feel a new kind of heat in the kitchen as they strive to keep their businesses viable.

At least, barring any unexpected developments, the rolling out of two vaccines promises a return, perhaps in the Spring, to something approaching normality, a time when going out for a bite to eat will feel like it did a year ago.

In the meantime we can support local hospitality businesses when we can, and then show them some love when circumstances allow.

Let's face it, the weather is not exactly suitable for mixing outdoors in a park, public garden or on a beach in a group of six, which is all the socialising we are now permitted.

So it seems certain there will be considerable pent up demand for an evening out with friends when vaccination and our behaviours finally suppress the COVID-19 virus.

We can also be sure, depressingly, that anti-vaccination propaganda will raise its ugly head in cyberspace. Please read our guide to vaccination and its safety by a local GP.

Broadly speaking, right now everything else remains the same: social distancing; mask wearing; washing; don't travel unless you simply have to; don't stay overnight elsewhere unless you have to; and work from home if you can.

In a nutshell, stay safe and well.