[ad_1]
Nicola Sturgeon has warned the Scots that there will only be a “slight” reduction in restrictions during the Christmas holidays.
The Prime Minister suggested that people could meet indoors during the holiday season, but said it would be for a “small number of days” involving a “small number of households.”
The SNP leader added that Scots should not feel they have to take advantage of easing restrictions, urging them to consider postponing visits to friends or family until spring.
Talks between the three delegated administrations and the UK government are ongoing to find a four-nation approach to the Christmas holidays.
A statement from the UK Cabinet Office shared by the Scottish government on Sunday made it clear that indoor gatherings at Christmas were on the agenda.
But speaking at her daily press conference, the Prime Minister took a much more cautious tone and warned Scots that “the virus will not take away Christmas.”
A final agreement on the UK-wide rules is likely to be announced for the holiday season later this week.
Sturgeon said: “We will ask people to think very carefully if they really need to travel and visit indoors, or if there may be other ways, for example through technology or meeting people outdoors, that you can make sure that your beloved those who are well without taking risks.
“Maybe it’s worth it for everyone to ask now: do we need to visit family or friends at Christmas? Because if we think we don’t have to delay a visit until spring, especially if that visit involves travel, it might be the best option.
“And it can leave more room for those who really need to care for a vulnerable elderly relative, for example, to do so.”
“I know this sounds very complicated, and it’s very complicated. I could stay here and try to oversimplify it, but that wouldn’t be fair to anyone.”
She added: “These are really hard balances to strike and really hard decisions to reach, but we must try to reach them and achieve them in the most sensible way possible.”
And, of course, the discussion about Christmas reinforces a fundamental point.
“The best way to make life as safe as possible right now is to reduce the number of people who are infectious, and that means continuing to follow all the rules as they are.”
Sturgeon said there is a recognition that given the nature of Christmas and the pressure people may feel to spend time with family members who may be alone during the period, some may “try to push the boundaries” of the restrictions. .
She said that instead of allowing that to get “out of control”, the Scottish government is trying to create flexibility during the holidays.
[ad_2]
