Peterborough health chief says safest family Christmas this year is online, over phone or outside

The Government will lift coronavirus restrictions from December 23 until December 27, allowing families to meet.

But Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, urged residents to think about their plans - especially if they have elderly or vulnerable relatives.

Dr Robin said; ""Many of us will be looking forward to Christmas as a time to celebrate at the end of a long and difficult year.

"Unfortunately the coronavirus doesn't pay attention to dates in a calendar and will be just as infectious at Christmas as at any other time.

"So it is essential that we don't let down our guard and don't let the virus spread further in Peterborough and in Cambridgeshire.

"For this Christmas the safest way to spend time with family and friends is either online, on the phone or outside.

"This advice is particularly important if you or your relatives or elderly or vulnerable.

"Maybe organise a walk at the local park, have a family get together online, or meet an elderly or vulnerable relative on their doorstep rather than inside.

"Remember that even if you meet outdoors you should socially distance at all times.

"If you do decide to meet indoors, there is some risk, particularly if elderly or vulnerable people are involved.

"Remember that the Government's Christmas exemption from December 23-27 only allows the same three households to meet together across the five days not three different households each day.

"You should make a COVID safety plan in advance, and meet indoors for the shortest time possible.

"Try to give each other space, and stay two metres apart, for example by reducing the number of people in one room, or by rearranging furniture to make more space.

"Wash your hands regularly and open windows for 10-15 minutes every hour or so to allow good ventilation.

"Regularly clean all surfaces, handles and objects that people might touch.

"Some people with elderly or vulnerable relatives have decided to have their family get together in the spring.

"By then the people most vulnerable to COVID should have been vaccinated and it will be much safer.

"For now we still need to think carefully about how we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.