Statement: Christmas period
This year has been like no other - with the whole country making extraordinary sacrifices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. It is therefore understandable that many of us want to meet up with loved ones over the festive period.
However, the warning signs could not be clearer – more mixing over Christmas means more COVID-19 cases and, very sadly, deaths in the new year. It is up to all of us to think very carefully about how we celebrate Christmas, how we prepare responsibly and how our decisions could impact on others, especially vulnerable people. Whilst the restrictions are being relaxed, the virus has not gone away - we must ask ourselves what we ‘should’ do rather than what we ‘can’ do.
In this season of goodwill, we should show care for each other by washing our hands, practising social distancing, wearing a face covering, and considering whether a get together with family or friends is a risk worth taking.