Curfews & head counts as Europe goes cold turkey
AT first it was clear, restrictions would be eased for five days at Christmas to let families meet.
But now, with coronavirus rampant, families are beginning to question their festive plans.
Here, Azeem Majeed, professor of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, and Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, give their advice on what to do and not to do.
Should the five-day Christmas pause be scrapped?
Scientists are calling for the easing of restrictions at Christmas to be ditched and there are signs the Government may reduce the number of days, or number of households allowed to meet.
Prof Majeed says: “Because Covid-19 rates are at a very high level in many parts of the UK, it would be sensible to continue with the current restrictions over the Christmas period, rather than pausing them.
“If we don’t pause the five-day relaxation of restrictions and people mix indoors in large numbers with people from other households, we will pay the price for this in January through increases in Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths.”
Dr Tildesley believes changing the rules so close to Christmas could cause more harm than good.
He says: “I would be really worried about the Government changing the rules now, as it may cause a massive drop in trust.”
Should schools be allowed to close early so kids can self-isolate before seeing at-risk sk relatives?
Prof Majeed d says:
“Closing schools hools should be a decision ecision
ADVICE Dr Tildesley desley and Prof Majeed ed
NETHERLANDS Strict Christmas five-week lockdown, eased slightly for December 24 to 26.
Non-essential shops and firms shut, along with museums, cinemas, gyms and theatres. Restaurants and bars have been shut since October.
Two guests a day in home, rising to three for Christmas (not counting under-13s). Schools closing today. GERMANY Hard lockdown from December 16 to January 10, with non-essential shops shut. For three days of Christmas, four guests per household, not counting under-14s. Currently a maximum of five people from no more than two households. ITALY Possibility entire country will be under “red zone” lockdown from
Should households be allowed to mix during Christmas?
Dr Tildesley says letting families come together could help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on mental health, but people must stay in their Christmas bubbles.
He says: “We need to have some relaxations of the controls to allow
Christmas Eve until January 2 or later. Christmas markets already banned, plus travel between regions from December 21. No leaving home town on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, except for work and emergencies. Midnight mass moved due to 10pm-5am curfew. FRANCE Strict stay-at-home rule lifted, but nationwide 8pm-6am
Even if they can, should people have a big family Christmas?
Prof Majeed says: “I would be cautious about large, indoor curfew remains, to be lifted on Christmas Eve only. Bars, restaurants and cinemas will remain closed. SPAIN Travel between regions allowed December 23 to January 6. Gatherings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day limited to 10, but curfew relaxed until 1.30am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.