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The controversial Christmas bubbles will continue despite the fact that scientists warn of a “disaster”, it has been confirmed.
The government has received requests for reconsideration after announcing a five-day window, during which up to three homes will be allowed to mix indoors in England.
It means families will be able to cuddle for the first time in months, but it will come at a high price, warn NHS chiefs.
The relaxation of the rules will take place between December 23 and 27.
This morning, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the Christmas rules were not being revised, despite calls for a U-turn.
He told Sophie Ridge on Sky News on Sunday: “It’s been a really difficult year in every way. I think people need that five-day window during Christmas to spend a little time with their loved ones.”
“I think they need it on a mental and emotional level.”
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When asked why the Christmas bubbles weren’t removed after the third-level warnings, Raab continued: “What they said is that if you want to have that five-day window you have to be very careful between now and then.
“That’s why we have the tiered approach.”
Earlier today, Chris Hopson, CEO of NHS Providers, said he had written an urgent letter to Boris Johnson warning that any relaxation could “trigger a third wave.”
The body, which represents all hospital trusts in England, failed to demand that the five-day Christmas bubble system be reviewed now.
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But Hopson told Sky News: “We are not asking at this time for the regulations to change, but that is something that I think we will have to look at in the coming days.
His letter to the Prime Minister added: “Fiduciary leaders are concerned that if infection rates remain as high as they are now, the relaxation of restrictions will trigger a third wave.”
The government is facing requests for reconsideration amid fears that the holiday relaxation could result in the loss of more lives and more lockdowns.
Professor Stephen Reicher, who is a member of Sage’s behavioral science advisory group, said: “Right now we are headed for disaster.
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“Given the high levels of infection across the country and rising levels in some areas (like London), it is inevitable that if we all choose to get together on Christmas, we will pay the price in the New Year.”
He added: “We need an urgent rethinking about the Christmas holidays.
“The government should clarify the risks involved in indoor mixing and emphasize the fact that households can come together does not mean they should.”
Boris Johnson himself warned Conservative members last night not to have a “big bang” over Christmas, according to the Sun on Sunday.
“I know the rules say there are three households, but unfortunately there is wide scope for further increases in this disease during the harsh winter months,” he said in a conservative fundraiser.
A government spokeswoman said the ministers will “not hesitate to take the necessary actions to protect local communities” and that decisions are made based on the latest available data.
“We have introduced strengthened local restrictions to protect the progress made during national restrictions, reduce pressure on the NHS and ultimately save lives,” the spokeswoman said.
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“In addition to our record investment in the NHS, this winter we are providing an additional £ 3 billion to maintain the scaling capacity of the independent sector and Nightingale Hospital and a further £ 450 million to upgrade and expand A & Es.”
In its latest weekly update, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), which has been helping guide the Government through the pandemic, said it is “no longer confident” that R in all regions of England is below of 1.
The crucial number could hit 1.1 in London, the South East and the East, with new infections increasing by as much as 1-2% every day in those regions, less than a week before the government decides whether to relocate the cities. and cities outside their current levels.
England’s overall R number, between 0.8 and 1.0, was unchanged from a week ago.
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