Dundonians unsure about easing virus rules for Christmas

AS Christmas approaches, governments are considering the easing of coronavirus restrictions – despite fears of the virus spreading.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday confirmed it is “likely” families will be able to form extended household bubbles for Christmas.

But she expected a “slight and careful” loosening of restrictions would only last for a few days, and would not extend to Hogmanay.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also promised to lay out a “winter Covid-19 plan” that will offer guidance on how to interact with loved ones.

Dundee Pensioners’ Forum would like to see a UK-wide plan for household bubbling, which would let small numbers of people from different homes meet up and enjoy the holidays.

Secretary Dorothy McHugh, pictured below, said: “Considering the modern day wider dispersal of families, that seems to make sense.

“Many of us have missed those important family connections this year. Let’s hope a short amnesty can be agreed for two or three days around Christmas, to allow us to be together.”

However, others in Dundee remain cautious.

Paul Cooper, a 61-year-old who lost a family member to the virus, said: “If I get offers to meet up with people for Christmas this year – which I will – I’ve already decided I won’t be going.

“I lost my uncle to this, it is real. He died in hospital.

“My auntie survived it, but only barely, I think.

“I don’t think people realise how serious it is, and that we all have to be adults about it.

“We have no obligation to celebrate Christmas, it’s not something we have to do.”

Neil Edmunds, 33, an operations manager, agreed that changed rules for the festive season would not be wise.

He said: “I really don’t think restrictions should be eased; it sort of defeats the whole purpose of having done this in the first place.

“The rate of infection isn’t slowing down.

“I remember working on a site down in Stirling and we had people catching it left and right.

“All it takes is for one person to have it, then everyone’s got it.”

Others, such as student and mum Danielle Smeaton, are a little less opposed to the Christmas plans.

She said: “It really depends. I think the rules are good, but if people are given an inch they take a mile, don’t they?

“If they say that you’re allowed to have small numbers of family round then folk will start throwing house parties, it’s just how people are.

“I know that if people stick to their bubbles it will be fine, but I don’t know if they will.”

Jim Menzies, 70, who is retired, added: “I don’t think it’s a good idea because there isn’t going to be any relaxation of the virus over Christmas. But it is inevitable families will get together.

“It’s very difficult, but I feel like I probably will still see my family this Christmas.”

While some are clearly concerned about the easing of restrictions for Christmas, a new Tele poll of more than 1,600 people has shown that the majority of those responding are prepared to set their own rules during the holidays.

More than 850 of those who responded claimed they would break the rules if it meant being with their family; only 559 said they planned to keep within the guidelines and 215 said they were unsure.

Responding to the poll Toni Hoolachan said: “I’m not staying at home on Xmas. I’m going to my parents like I do every year. If I can mix with people at work then I can see my parents.”

And Audrey McCabe added: “We will not have our usual house full but we will certainly be having Christmas with my daughter and her husband.

“Sometimes you have to live for the moment and pray that you will survive your decision.”