Staying safe this Christmas

Warwickshire County Council is urging people to stay safe this Christmas with tips and support.

The council says the best gift people can give this Christmas, is adhering to Covid-19 guidelines to protect loved ones, especially those that are vulnerable. 

A spokesperson from the council said: "Transmission of coronavirus most often happens indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms and therefore if you’re planning a traditional family Christmas, you are at a higher risk.

"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. 

"The pandemic means that Christmas won’t look exactly the same as it usually does, but there are still ways you can get creative and find some new ways to celebrate—some of your ideas may be so good you’ll make some new traditions along the way! Spread some happiness where you can, bake some treats for friends and neighbours, arrange a virtual call with extended family or arrange a socially distanced walk with an old friend."

If the thought of spending Christmas without particular loved ones is too difficult and you do decide to bubble with up to two other households on 25 December, the county council are providing the following tips to stay as safe as possible: 

• Keep your distance indoors from other households 
• Wear a mask when you’re not eating and drinking, particularly if you’re celebrating Christmas with any vulnerable members of your family 
• Although it’s cold, consider opening some windows to help ventilate your home 
• Isolate as much as possible in the ten days leading up to Christmas so you have a lower chance of spreading the virus 
• Try and refrain from sharing food 
• Wash your hands regularly 
• During the holidays it’s also important to think about any relatives, elderly neighbours and anyone else who might struggle at this time of year. For anyone in need of support, make sure they are safe and well, their house is warm enough and they have plenty of food and medicine to cover the Christmas period. 

Cllr Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health 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. 

“It’s been an extraordinary year and it’s been tough on everyone, but some more than others. Look after your health and wellbeing, think about those around you, check on any vulnerable neighbours and make sure they’re okay.”