The main topic in the newspapers today is the possibility of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted temporarily to allow families to see loved ones this Christmas. However, there is a downside …
Any ‘lifting’ of restrictions would come at a cost and scientists from SAGE have warned that the cost is increased infection rates and the likelihood of a lengthy lockdown in January to get COVID infection rates back under control after the festive period. Positive news on vaccines will leave many buoyant heading into 2021, but SAGE and other scientists have been keen to warn people that any vaccine is unlikely to be in time to change the second wave of the virus that we are currently ensuring.
Dr Susan Hopkins, medical director of Test and Trace, indicated that for every day the rules are relaxed over the festive period, two more under harsher measures may be needed to crack down again on coronavirus. This was later corrected by Public Health England.
A spokesman said the government’s advisory body, SAGE, actually indicated for every day of relaxation five days of tighter restrictions would potentially be needed.
The government has indicated that there may be some relaxation over Christmas, but at what cost? Join in the discussion now over on our Facebook page.
