Expert Warns of “Cost” to Christmas Family Gatherings
Prof Andrew Hayward has sounded the alarm over festive get-togethers, warning they come with a heavy price. Speaking ahead of next week’s announcement from No 10 on easing Christmas restrictions, he said mixing generations during the holidays risks spreading COVID-19, especially to the most vulnerable.
Scientists Demand Caution: Relax Today, Tighten Tomorrow
Top scientists urge caution, warning that each day restrictions are eased means five days of tougher measures will follow. Prof Hayward, from University College London and a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Mixing at Christmas does pose substantial risks, particularly bringing together high-infection generations with older, more vulnerable groups.”
He added: “We’re putting too much emphasis on a near-normal Christmas. Respiratory infections peak in January, and fuelling that fire over the holidays only makes things worse.”
COVID Cases on the Rise in England
- New data shows COVID cases in England increased by 11% last week.
- 167,369 people tested positive between 5-11 November.
- Contact tracing struggles: just 60.5% of close contacts were reached, near record lows.
US Pandemic Hits Grim Milestone as New York Shuts Schools
The coronavirus crisis continues to worsen in the US. Johns Hopkins University reports more than 250,000 deaths nationwide. New infections and hospitalisations are surging, with daily cases hitting around 160,000 on average—an 80% jump in two weeks.
In response, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced schools will close starting Thursday after the city hit a 3% seven-day positivity rate. He said the move was made “out of an abundance of caution” and vowed on Twitter: “We must fight back the second wave of Covid-19.”
