‘Don’t bend the rules over social mixing’ plea

PEOPLE must not ‘bend the rules’ or put ‘unbearable pressure’ on NHS workers by increasing the spread of Covid-19 through ignoring Christmas regulations.

That is the combined message of Portsmouth's public health director Helen Atkinson and Sarah Merrix, whose partner Dom Merrix died in April from the disease aged 48.

Sarah said she is worried by the number of people who may flout the regulations, which initially allowed three households to mix between December 23 and December 27, and were then reduced to only Christmas Day.

‘It worries me the amount of people who feel the rules can be bent for a few days with family,’ she said.

‘People need to stay alert and follow guidelines.’

Ms Atkinson, pictured, said rising infection rates will put ‘unbearable pressure’ on NHS workers who will not get the chance for a break.

She said: ‘Until the vaccine is rolled out more fully, I urge everyone to follow the coronavirus rules and guidance.

‘I know how hard this year has been, the enormous sacrifices everyone has made and that Christmas and New Year is such an important part of the lives of many people.

‘Staying in our regular bubbles, not travelling, limiting who we see and what we allow ourselves to do now will help limit the spread of infection.

‘We know if infection rates continue to climb, our NHS workers will be once again put under almost unbearable pressure when they'll at their busiest dealing with very sick people with Covid and the rise in winter admissions, as well as vaccinating as many people as possible against coronavirus.

‘Limiting what you do this festive season could be the most generous gift you ever give – it could be the gift of life.’