It was always true to an extent Dave but the decision was made rightly or wrongly to keep schools open. I believe rightly (WTF would parents have done if they’d been closed since March ?!! and that’s not to mention the impact on kids eduction). I would have closed them as soon as it became apparent the new variant was more transmissible amongst the young that week or so before Xmas hols though.
The massive increase in cases appears to have been due to the new variant in conjunction with people meeting up indoors over Christmas.
There was some easier stuff the government could/should’ve done though like advising elderly to avoid shops/high st since Nov lockdown (could’ve arranged food deliveries via NHS responder network) and suggest relatives only meet them for walks etc outdoors - unrealistic for some/many I know. Should’ve also pushed for more employers to make sure staff that could do, WFH (I know of a fair few unnecessarily going into offices). Regular asymptomatic testing for care home workers/those around elderly was another. Basically a more focussed approach.
Let’s just all hope the vaccine roll out goes well