The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Christmas bubbles are all wrapped up
COVID: ‘Three households, five days’ rule across four nations
A family Christmas is back on the table after the UK’s four governments hammered out a truce to allow festivities amid Covid-19.
Under the deal announced last night, up to three households will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” from December 23 to 27.
Unrestricted travel across the UK will be permitted for the five days, as long as people stick to private homes.
The approach was signed off by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and the first ministers of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. However, Nicola Sturgeon asked everyone to consider whether it was necessary.
She said: “We must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay. Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread.
“Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to.”
Families and friends will be able to reunite over the Christmas period, after ministers signed off on a UK-wide deal to relax Covid restrictions.
Under the revised festive ru les , up to three households will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” from December 23 to December 27.
During this five- day period, households will be able to travel across the UK, to and from their Christmas bubbles, without restriction.
Those travelling to and from Northern Ireland will be permitted to travel an additional day either side.
Bubbled households will not be permitted to meet up in pubs or restaurants, however, with exemptions only applying to private homes, places of worship and outdoor public places.
Number 10 has said there are no plans to extend the relaxation of restrictions to cover New Year.
The approach was signed off by Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and the first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales yesterday.
Following the meeting, Mr Gove said: “The UKwide agreement reached today will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year.
“We know that the Christmas period this year will not be normal, but following construc tive discussions between the UK Government and the devolved administrations, families and friends will now have the option to meet up in a limited and cautious way across the UK should they wish.
“In coming to this agreement , we have listened to scientific and clinical advice on how best to minimise the risk and reach a balanced and workable set of rules that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “This Christmas will not be what we are used to. Because of the virus, it simply cannot be.
“But a limited easing of restrictions will allow us to see some of our loved ones at this important time.
“More household mixing does mean more chance for the virus to spread, however, and I urge people to be as careful and responsible as possible over the Christmas period.”
The idea of a temporary relaxation over Christmas has brought warnings from public health e xper ts, however, with government scientists saying their modelling showed the likely need for five days of tougher restrictions to make up for each day of a looser regime during the festive period.
Giving evidence to a Commons committee yesterday, Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University, said this would inevitably bring perils.
“We still have pretty high prevalence across the country,” he said.
“It is risky for people to mix indoors with alcohol with elderly relatives at this point in time.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the risk and asked everyone to consider very carefully whether the opportunity to mix for a few days was necessary.
She said: “We know that for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time, as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period . The ‘ bubble ’ approach aims to reduce this impact.
“But we must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay. Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread.
“If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”
“I urge people to be as careful as possible
So Christmas is not cancelled after all. Following a year in which gala weeks, county shows, Olympics, exams and all the usual calendar fixtures fell by the wayside, many had assumed the annual festive family gathering would be a no-no, especially as cases rise across the country.
But yesterday’s announcement, signed off by the four UK governments, will allow up to three households to form their own “Christmas bubble”, by gathering, within limits, for five days and travelling, without restrictions, across the land
For Michael Gove, the message was one of hope. A chance for families and friends who have sacrificed much to meet up, give thanks, and look ahead to brighter days.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon was more guarded, acknowledging the impact of isolation and loneliness at this time of year but urging: “Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to.”
A Courier poll this week suggested people in Tayside and Fife share her concerns, with a majority saying they had no desire to see restrictions lifted.
The onus now is on individuals to protect the people they care about and do everything in their power to prevent a nightmare after Christmas, whether they show their love by turning up or staying away.