When we emerged from strict lockdown after Christmas and New Year, it was with a sense of resolve and hope that we launched ourselves into the new year. But so far, 2021 hasn’t quite delivered in the way we were all hoping. Not yet anyway. 

Events around the globe continue to cause shock and alarm, and the news from home has all too often been grim and unwelcome. At least in Italy the pandemic seems to have stabilised in recent days, following a second wave that seemed to peak at the beginning of December. But the situation remains critical.