A piece in the Guardian reflects some of the questions asked in this thread, Why is England doing worse against Covid than its European neighbours?.
“While each country is doing its own version there are some common elements. Face coverings and vaccine passports remain widespread across western Europe. Anyone who has visited France over the summer will have seen the routine use of the TousAntiCovid app in bars and restaurants. Masks are required in indoor public spaces and public transport in France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Spain and elsewhere. Yet in England these measures will only be implemented if the government moves to its “Plan B”.”
“Many countries have also made major investments in ventilation and filtration, while some have made CO2 monitors compulsory in certain settings, such as hospitality venues.”
I don’t want to quote the whole article and I don’t know that they are correct as to the reasons but it is worth considering.