Killjoy restrictions

NATIVITY plays are the latest casualty of increasingly nonsensical Covid restrictions. They’re treasured events for families – and a memorable moment of early childhood.

That they should fall foul of pandemic protocols once again is a sign that coronavirus curbs are excessive and illogical.

After all, there is no bar on bus-loads of classmates attending pantomimes in theatres. As an adult, you can visit a busy bar in the run-up to Christmas – but you can’t sit in a socially distanced gym hall to watch your child’s Nativity.

It’s worth remembering that children have suffered disproportionately since March 2020. School closures, exam chaos – and for older pupils, having to wear facecoverings in class – have combined to create miserable conditions.

At Christmas, it’s only fair that we should recognise the sacrifices they’ve made, and the turmoil they’ve endured, by allowing these simple yet hugely significant events to take place.

It’s no surprise that one senior doctor has claimed that children are being used as ‘scapegoats’ for government to enforce restrictions despite no evidence they’re doing any good.

This week, the First Minister sensibly shelved proposals to extend the Covid vaccine passport scheme and allowed negative lateral flow tests to be used for entry to nightclubs and large sporting fixtures. Couldn’t the same safeguards be introduced in schools over the coming weeks?

The proposed compromise of virtual Nativity plays is far from satisfactory.

Vaccination means we should be able to co-exist with the virus, keeping it in check while attempting to get on with our lives.

Ministers should drop this killjoy ban – and let parents and their children enjoy a cherished festive ritual after a tumultuous 20 months.