Christmas Covid Plan in the Works – Govt Aims for ‘Normal’ Festivities
The government’s top Covid adviser, Susan Hopkins, has revealed they’re working on a plan to make Christmas “as close to normal as possible.” The big hope? Families being able to celebrate together without heavy restrictions.
BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle said any rule changes would be short-lived – maybe just for a few days around Christmas.
Families Could Mix Indoors for Limited Time
Cabinet minister Alok Sharma admitted it’s too early for any “conclusions,” but he’s keen to see his 1 over the holidays. The Sun reported families might be allowed to meet indoors for five days starting from Christmas Eve.
All four UK nations – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – are scrambling to agree on a common festive approach so loved ones can reunite across the country. Final decisions won’t come for weeks as officials watch if England’s lockdown is bringing cases down.
Reality Check: Cautions Remain
Despite hopeful talk, advice is expected to still warn against big gatherings. Traveling by car may be preferred over public transport to reduce risk. Experts point out that each day rules loosened will need about five days of tighter restrictions afterwards.
The UK added 19,609 new Covid cases and 529 deaths within 28 days of a positive test recently. England’s second national lockdown will end on December 2, moving back into a tier system that limits indoor mixing in the highest tiers.
Covid Death Toll Hits Grim Milestones Across the Globe
Meanwhile in the US, the death toll has surpassed a quarter of a million, with numbers climbing fast as cases surge. NBC News reported a 42% increase in fatalities over the past month, with daily deaths jumping from 821 in early October to 1,167 last week.
It’s been a grim year since the first Covid infection was recorded in China, with America’s death rate now at levels last seen in mid-August.
Closer to home, Ireland’s Department of Health confirmed 12 more Covid deaths, totaling 2,006. New cases stand at 379, bringing the country’s total to 69,058 confirmed infections.
