Have a happy Covid-safe Christmas

Local chiefs have come together to highlight what people need to do over the next few weeks as Covid restrictions remain in place.

With town centres expected to be busy on the run up to Christmas, shoppers are being advised to try to keep their distance from each other and follow the basic hand-washing and face-covering guidelines to prevent a local spike in cases in the new year.

In a plea to residents, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Philip Jackson, has said: “We know that this is a difficult time, especially for the most vulnerable. However, we need to stay strong and keep observing the requirements. Everyone needs to play their part, and follow the restrictions, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Announced yesterday, North East Lincolnshire remains in the Tier 3, (Very High Alert), level of COVID restrictions.

However, from Wednesday 23 December to Sunday, 27 December, people will be able to meet more people and celebrate Christmas together.  

Government has confirmed arrangements about forming Christmas bubbles.

• A Christmas bubble can be composed of people from no more than three households. You can only be in one Christmas bubble, and you cannot change your Christmas bubble.
• A Christmas bubble will be able to spend time together in private homes, including second homes and caravans, to attend places of worship, or meet in a public outdoor place.
• However, you should not meet socially with friends and family you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble.
• In all other settings, people should follow Tier 3 restrictions.
• If you do not form a Christmas bubble, you should continue to follow Tier 3 restrictions.

From 28 December, you must return to the guidance for Tier 3. Christmas bubbles will no longer apply, including on New Year’s Eve.

Cllr Jackson continued: “It’s going to be a very different Christmas not only here, but across the globe because of this awful pandemic. Christmas is normally a time for getting together with friends and family, but this year, the best present you can give someone is good health. Please do try to follow the guidelines and hopefully early in the new year, we’ll see the numbers of cases reduce further.”

A reminder: If you have any of the symptoms associated with Covid, you must self-isolate and request a test as soon as possible. Additionally, if you’re contacted by NHS Test and Trace you must self isolate too, whatever your plans for the festive period.

More information can be found at www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus or at gov.uk/coronavirus.