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The governments of the component countries of the United Kingdom have announced a temporary relaxation of anti-Covid restrictions during the Christmas holidays: groups of up to three families (households) will be allowed to meet without restrictions between 23 and 27 December, reports BBC.
However, the existing rules and restrictions regarding hotels and businesses are maintained, and the “family bubbles” set for Christmas will be exclusive, in the sense that they will not be allowed to change or allow other people to enter them.
The leaders of the four governments also called for vigilance and care to keep the virus transmission rate low. They stressed that “this Christmas will not be a normal one, but family and friends will be able to see each other and celebrate in a more circumspect way.”
The new measures will also include the temporary relaxation of traffic restrictions to allow families to move around the Kingdom. In this regard, residents of Northern Ireland will receive an additional five days to allow them to travel.
“Even if these encounters between friends and family are allowed, each person will have to think about the risks to themselves and their loved ones, especially the vulnerable. Before making the decision to meet, we urge you to consider alternative methods, such as online meetings or out in the open, ”the four heads of government (UK as a whole; Scotland; Wales; Northern Ireland) said in a joint statement.
WHO Vacation Recommendations: “Not having a big family reunion is the safest option”
The World Health Organization recommends avoiding large family vacations: “It is incredibly difficult because, especially during vacations, we really want to be with our family. But in some cases, not having a large family gathering is the safest option, “said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO pandemic manager. According to Maria Van Kerkhove, an online celebration could be a solution.
“Even if you can’t celebrate together this year, you can find ways to celebrate when (the pandemic) is over,” he recommended.
“That is what we do in my family and we will celebrate when the (pandemic) is over,” Maria Van Kerkhove said.
Editor: Adrian Dumitru
