This might just be a blip, but phrases about eggs in baskets and flogging dead horses come to mind: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-62759238

The lockdown injured a lot of businesses. Our inept government scared the population witless that they were all about to contract a death sentence when nothing could have been further from the truth.

The problem is, when you instil fear into people by using psyops, it isn't easy to reverse it, nor to regain the trust of those who now realise the truth. I know people who are still refusing to leave their homes or mix with others. Johnson (and his simpering, snivelling, cabinet) have a lot to answer for.

Another case of "keep 'em scared, keep 'em compliant"

Quite. There are times when these tactics are necessary, but this wasn't one of them. The problem now is that if there really does become a reason over the next 20 years quite a lot will remember this farce and not comply. Using such tools in a casual manner destroys their effectiveness.

I was taught a lot of psychological tricks in the early days of my management career. They can be very effective but must be used sparingly whether you are building people up, or destroying them. The 'ethics' part of the course I attended was quite interesting.

Reports of oil leaks in the River Avon. This is from the Stratford upon Avon forum.

Update on yesterday’s oil leak on the River Avon, Stratford upon Avon.
Please be aware that the oil leak is moving towards Luddington.
I am awaiting an update from Severn Trent and the Environment Agency.
If you see any swans or other animals in distress please ring me:
07907075344
Thank you.

The canal is also full of oil along bishopton leading down to Thimothys Bridge .Only happened when the canal leading from wilmcote was drained almost completely a couple of weeks ago.

. Apparently, the presence of oil has also been reported in the river at Warwick and Leamington Spa.