COUNTY health chiefs have urged residents to ‘celebrate Christmas safely’ after the Government’s controversial lifting of restrictions over the festive season were rubber-stamped.
Despite warning of a potential rise in cases in January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed his decision to allow families to create ‘Christmas Bubbles’ in a bid to allow celebrations to continue.
From Wednesday (December 23), households will be able to form a bubble specifically for Christmas consisting of no more than three households.
Until December 27, only one bubble can be created consisting of three households and members can only meet together in a home or place of worship, not in hotels, shops, restaurants or pubs.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health Worcestershire said: “It’s very understandable many people will want to see family over these five days of Christmas. We recognise for some, having this contact will play a role in supporting their mental health and wellbeing.
“What matters now, is we really consider how essential it is to mix. Do we really need to see one another, and can we do it in as safe a way as possible?
“We are still living in restrictions and the virus is still with us in Worcestershire, so we all must continue to play our part in reducing the spread of the virus.
“I’d particularly urge great caution with seeing elderly relatives. Any contact with other people increases the risk of you catching or spreading Coronavirus and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
“Please think carefully before putting them at risk. If you do meet up, please keep your distance, and do all you can to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. We hope everyone can enjoy Christmas safely.”
Coun John Smith, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: “The pandemic has been really tough for everyone this year. The Christmas Bubble gives everyone a little respite and the opportunity to see very limited numbers of family or friends.
“I’d like to remind everyone to please be careful, consider whether mixing with others is really necessary and remember the guidance to protect one another this Christmas.”
If you have Coronavirus or are self-isolating, you cannot form part of a bubble and must continue your ten days isolation.
