The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has warned the nation to “isolate from now and don’t stay overnight if you want to save Christmas.”
Speaking from Downing Street at a press conference Johnson stopped short of ordering people not to stay overnight or cutting contacts prior to Christmas, but suggested this is what people should do.
He said that a shorter Christmas would be safer, whilst the chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty urged the nation to “keep it small, keep it short and keep it local.”
Johnson admitted that the current situation is far “worse” now than when the rules were first put into place.
The Prime Minister told the press conference, “While it would not be right to criminalise people who made plans and simply want to spend time with their loved ones, we’re collectively, across the UK, governments at every level, asking you to think hard and in detail about the days ahead.
“We’re keeping the laws the same but we all want to send the same message: a smaller Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas and a shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas.
“When we say three households can meet on five days I want to stress these are maximums and not targets to aim for.”
Johnson added, “It’s always going to be safest to minimise the number of people you meet. That means if you are visiting others over Christmas we’re asking you in the five days beforehand, as early as this Friday, to reduce the number of people you are in contact with to the lowest possible.
“If possible don’t travel from a high prevalence to a lower prevalence area and avoid staying away from home overnight if you can.
“And whatever your plans for Christmas, please think carefully about avoiding crowds in the Boxing Day sales. ‘And no one should be gathering in large groups to see in the New Year.’
“If you have an elderly relative you might want to delay seeing them until they have been vaccinated.”
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