A MERRY and covid-free Christmas is the wish from Warwickshire county chiefs this year.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is reminding residents to follow Public Health advice and take extra precautions to avoid getting an unwanted gift of covid-19.
From December 23 to 27, government guidelines will be relaxed allowing up to three households to create a Christmas bubble. This means people can get together in private homes and gardens and places of worship.
The council says the best way to stay as safe as possible is to celebrate Christmas inside your own home and speak to loved ones virtually, or socially distanced outdoors.
If people plan on mixing, the council is reminding them of things to do now to minimise risks of catching or transmitting the virus.
This includes isolating as much as possible in the ten days leading up to mixing with other households, wearing a face covering in public places, social distancing and regular hand washing.
People should also remain vigilant to covid-19 symptoms and anyone with a new continuous cough, a high temperature or changed sense of taste or smell must self-isolate and book a test by calling 119. Close contacts of people testing positive will also need to self-isolate for 14 days after the last contact.
And residents who spend the four day ‘bubble’ period with other households are advised to keep their distance indoors from other households, wear a mask when not eating and drinking, consider opening some windows to help ventilate homes, refrain from sharing food, and wash hands regularly.
WCC health spokesman Coun Les Caborn said: “With recent news of the covid-19 vaccine, lighter and brighter times do lie ahead in 2021. However we’re not there yet.
“The best Christmas gift you can give this year is adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and protecting your loved ones, particularly those that are most vulnerable. We are so nearly there, so don’t stop protecting others.
“While people will be looking forward to seeing each other at home and in person, the safest way to get together this is remotely or outdoors. This will protect the most vulnerable in our communities and keep recorded case numbers as low as possible as we move into the new year.
“We do appreciate however the importance of social contact and know people dearly want to spend some quality time with those they love. This is particularly important for many people following months of isolation and loneliness. If people will be taking the opportunity to get together during the window of relaxed guidance we urge them to do so safely and take steps now to reduce risk of spreading the virus.
“For those still unsure what to do, my advice is to accept this not going to be the Christmas any of us had planned so it could be a time to set new traditions. Postponing the parties and taking time to connect in new ways may be what we all need. It could be a time for us to do things to boost wellbeing like helping others, enjoying some time outdoors or walking in the Warwickshire countryside, speaking to loved ones online or over the phone, writing letters and making resolutions perhaps.”
He also reminded residents to look out for friends and neighbours for whom Christmas might be an unhappy and lonely experience.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/adventcalendar for inspiration and ideas on spreading joy and staying connected.
For more information on having the safest possible Christmas, follow WCC on Facebook and Twitter for more tips using #StaySafeThisChristmas.
Visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest guidance on covid-19.
