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The government have announced that three households are allowed to meet indoors during a five day Christmas period from 23-27 December.
Prof Stephen Reicher FBA, Professor of Social Psychology, University of St Andrews, said:
“More mixing means more infection. People now have a choice as to whether to join up with others at Christmas, and we all need to think very carefully what is the best choice for ourselves, our families and our community.
“This isn’t about whether to ‘cancel Christmas’, it is what does the Christmas spirit mean this year. We all agree that the season is about family, about goodwill, about showing care for others. Perhaps, in the midst of a pandemic, we best show care for those we love by not hugging them rather than hugging them and waiting a little until it is safe to party.
“We need a much stronger emphasis – and more support from Government – about how to stay safe this Christmas. Given the virus spreads in enclosed spaces that are crowded, stuffy and hygienic, there are two ways we can do this. One is to avoid indoor mixing. The Government could set up a ‘Community celebration fund’, working with local authorities and the thousands of new community groups that have been set up throughout the country, and organise local community events outside. In this way we could help revive community spirit this Christmas, ensuring no-one is left alone. Another is to help people plan how to be safe at home (a space where we often relax and forget simple safety rules). This is partly information about how to optimise distance, ventilation and hygiene but partly practical. For instance, if we want people to open windows but still stay warm, why not initiate a ‘pandemic fuel allowance’ (akin to the winter fuel allowance) so everyone can afford to do this?
“The way the Government approaches Christmas needs to be part of a larger pivot from paternalism to partnership. That means, rather than telling us what to do, supporting us to do those things that will keep us safe. And that needs to be reflected in the language. We need to stop talking about ‘self-isolation’ and talk about ‘supported isolation’, it means stopping talk of ‘regulation’ and emphasis of ‘supported regulation’. And partnership builds trust.
“All in all, Government should help people to make the best choices and stay safe. And if Government is seen to work in partnership with the public – rather than simply lecturing us what to do – that can help restore the critical bond of trust between us.”
Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, The Norwich School of Medicine, University of East Anglia, said:
“Any relaxation of the restrictions over the Christmas period will almost inevitably lead to some increase in transmission and therefore, illness, hospitalisations and sadly deaths. The issue is whether that increased risk is tolerable in relation to the benefits. At that time schools will be closed so there would naturally be some downward pressure on transmission. Also if the new tier system is working well and local authorities are placed into a more appropriate tier this time around then there will be a downward pressure on transmission before and after the Christmas break. The benefits on people’s mental health of being to meet up with family over this time should not be underestimated. Carley and colleagues undertook a systematic review of the literature and found that suicides declined over Christmas.
“My personal view is that some relaxation of the rules in line with what is currently being reported will have sufficient benefits to justify the additional risks for the COVID epidemic. Providing that the new tier system is better managed than in October any increase in cases could be relatively short lived. After Christmas we will still have to live through a few more months of restrictions at least. Christmas whether or not we celebrate the day as a religious festival may be what we need to make it through the rest of winter.”
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