From the Editors: COVID-19 levels dropping but the fight isn’t over

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that levels of COVID-19 are dropping across the UK. Infection rates are now similar to those from mid-October last year and this is extremely encouraging news - but we cannot afford to celebrate just yet. The virus is still out there and dangerous variants of it continue to evolve. If we become complacent the numbers will spike just as they did before when restrictions were lifted too quickly. The lockdown is working and the vaccination programme is on track. With over 1 million Brits getting a jab every week, the downward trend will continue, the country will open up again and life can return to normal. - Imran Malik, Assistant Editor

Dangerous advice: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow recently revealed she had COVID-19 early on and is following a specific diet to combat the aftereffects of the virus. However, some people, including the national medical director for NHS England, have called her out for promoting methods that are not backed by science. "All influencers who use social media have a duty of responsibility and a duty of care around that," Professor Stephen Powis warned. The pandemic has wrecked the lives of so many, so it’s doubly important that those with power should exercise caution with the information they pass on. Jennifer Barretto Assistant Editor Features

Saudi drives towards the future: Saudi Arabia took another step towards its Vision 2030 - a plan to diversify the kingdom’s economy, industry and become a world-leading sporting and tourist destination - as Mercedes’ Nyck de Vries took a maiden Formula E win in the season-opening race in Diriyah in the series’ first event as a recognised FIA World Championship. It was the first-ever day-night Formula E race. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation said: “Diriyah has made sporting history with another ‘first’ and I’m so pleased Saudi Arabia has proudly opened this wonderful series to start Season 7. It’s a championship that aligns so perfectly with our future vision and commitment to sustainability as a nation. Tonight the light has shone bright and it is clear, the Kingdom is not slowing down. It is a sign of hope and a positive step forward.” - Matt Smith, Sports Editor

Biden’s first military strike was message to Iran On Friday, US missiles struck Iran-backed fighters in Syria, whom the US accuses of being behind rocket attacks on its interests in Iraq. Iraq said the US strikes left at least one dead but other estimates said up to 22 people had been killed. At a time when Washington is seeking to draw Iran into talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement, it is clear that the target was a chosen carefully, as it was felt it would not elicit a strong response from Iran. That said, the message to Tehran is clear: You can’t act with impunity any longer when it comes to US presence in Iraq. - Omar Shariff, International Editor