Your verdict on whether households should mix over Christmas

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching – but many of you will be cautious on how you spend it.

The government says three households can form a bubble together for five days over the festive period to celebrate together.

The new rules apply from December 23-27 and travel restrictions will be lifted, along with a ban on moving between areas in different tiers of coronavirus lockdown.

But not everyone’s so sure it’s a good idea, with scientists warning the social interactions could lead to a third wave in the New Year.

Two Grimsby Telegraph reporters have debated whether it’s a good idea to relax the rules just as the lockdown deems to be working.

One argued that it was too risky and could cause another surge in coronavirus cases – the other said that the government’s rules were so complicated that they might as well not be there. But we wanted to know what you thought about the plans for households to meet.

In our poll, the majority of you who voted (70 per cent) said you would actually prefer if the rules weren’t relaxed over Christmas.

Just a fifth of people (17 per cent) said the government should let people meet up and stop Christmas from being cancelled. The remaining 13 per cent said they would need to see what the rules were before making their minds up. Here are some of your thoughts explaining why you voted that way. Graham Stifell, who is 61, said: “I have been working through the pandemic and risk assessing situations day by day.

“I’m hoping to have some family over on Boxing Day for one day only, social distancing where possible, and certainly no hugging or kissing in well ventilated rooms and if dry the garden. The more vulnerable members of the family won’t be included.

“I fully understand the virus hasn’t gone away or isn’t likely to in the short term. Everyone will decide what arrangements and choices work best for them and their loved ones.”

Jim Winney said he was against any relaxation in the rules. He added: “There’s just no point for such a small amount of time the consequences are massive may as well just stay as we are. As this is over then we can party all we like.”

Kerry Jobson said: “I think it should be a personal choice. I personally would choose to have no one round. As a self-employed person at the minute for me earning a living is my top priority.

“But I am sick to death of all the restrictions and hoping life can resume to normal ASAP.”

Jennings Sharon said: “Do what you’re comfortable with and put your own families first.”

Kate Hughes said: “We have temporary cessation. Use it wisely. Don’t go mad and undo all that has been achieved to date in your quest to get one over on the government. You don t hurt them - you hurt your family, friends and neighbours. You hurt the economy of your town because businesses get shut and jobs destroyed.” Andrew Green said the rules could be irrelevant anyway, saying: “The majority of people will do what they want.”

Clare Hawkins said: “It’s up to everyone to choose. I’m not interested in meeting up in a group. Just don’t want people to be alone over Christmas.” Anita Law said: “People will meet up anyway - best to set parameters.” Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us through Viewpoint - viewpoint@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk