Nature has a way of warning us when things are about to turn nasty. Before a storm, the winds pick up and the skies begin to darken.
Seagulls gather in tight circles, adjusting their sensors to the changing air pressure. When the first lockdown arrived, it brought a surprising period of beautiful weather with it.
And when we exited the lockdown, the weather took a turn for the worst over the summer. Nature appears to be telling us something again now, with fine weather this week, as further significant Dublin restrictions loomed.
The sun may have returned but in a specific and limited way. We are at a crossroads now with coronavirus. The best-informed decisions have to be made for the health service, society and the economy.