Can you do Silent Night? Carol singers face ban in festive virus crackdown
CAROL singing is set to be banned in Scotland over fears it poses a serious ri sk of spreading Covid-19.
The First Minister yesterday announced that strict public health rules will be enforced this Christmas in an attempt to make festive traditions compliant with coronavirus restrictions.
National clinical director Professor Jason Leitch indicated that some favourite festive activities could be banned.
The rules have not been finalised but experts were also working over the weekend on guidance which is set to clarify how Santa’s grottos will function for children.
Boris Johnson has already issued similar guidance south of the Border – with carol singing allowed to go ahead.
Santa’s grottos have also been given the green light, but with youngsters banned from sitting on his knee. However, Santa will not have to wear a mask. Asked what the Scottish Government is planning as the festive countdown begins, Miss Sturgeon said: ‘We are working on guidance for Santa’s grottos.’
She also acknowledged many youngsters and their families will be keen to visit Santa this year.
The First Minister was questioned on guidance at her daily coronavirus briefing yesterday. In England, carol singers can go door to door, but only in groups of up to six, while keeping at least two metres away from ‘the threshold of any dwellings’.
Singers should also keep away from others in their group who they do not live with.
But Professor Leitch signalled the rules in Scotland will be significantly tighter than in England. He said: ‘We haven’t taken a position on outdoor carol singing. That would be less risky than indoor but you have to remember we have restrictions on the numbers who can meet.
‘Door to door would also worry me. We’d be presented with the same challenges as we were at Halloween, so my instant advice, if you’ll forgive me for doing it, is probably not.’
Guising was banned at Halloween, with children and families told to ditch the tradition of going door to door.
On grottos, the attractions are permitted to open as long as the venues they are in are allowed to open according to local Covid-19 restrictions.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: ‘We know that meeting Father Christmas is a magical experience f or children, which is why he will be taking safety precautions including ensuring that he is operating in a Covid-secure way, but it won’t be required for Santa to wear a mask.
‘It won’t be permitted for children to sit on his knee, as part of the guidance.’