Gazette readers on celebrating Christmas during Covid pandemic

That’s the question we asked Gazette readers as reports suggest that households might be allowed to mix indoors for a five-day period from Christmas Eve – but with tougher restrictions to follow afterwards in January.

Health officials say that any easing of restrictions would have to be followed by a reduction in social contact afterwards, with Public Health England indicating that for every one day of relaxation, five days of tighter restrictions could be needed.

Here’s what you had to say on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Donna Watson: “I wonder what the doctors and nurses think of this, have a free for all for a few days, then have to deal with the consequences later.”

Lisa Lannen: “Nope, too many health issues in my family to put them at risk.”

Rachel Mayne: “So because the virus can have five days off we have to suffer another lockdown come January.”

Lindsay Hodgson: “If we had had a much tighter lockdown for longer the first time and taken a circuit break lockdown when the schools were off at the end of October we would probably be in a much better place now.”

Kevin Leary: “Enough now, a vaccine is at hand and vulnerable elderly know the need to stay safe.”

Heather Ditchburn Curry: “January lockdown or not people should see their families.”

Crystal Burns Purdy: “Absolutely ridiculous what’s the virus going to do, take a vacation for Christmas?”

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