Boris Johnson has urged Brits not to have a “big blowout” this Christmas - despite lockdown rules being relaxed.
People will be allowed to gather in a one-off ‘Christmas bubble’ of up to three households, despite the current tier rules, from December 23-27.
Tory minister Dominic Raab today insisted the truce would go ahead despite mounting fears, including from NHS bosses, that it will prompt a third wave of coronavirus.
But Boris Johnson also said people should be careful - even if what they want to do is allowed under the special rules.
According to the Sun on Sunday, the PM told a Tory fundraiser last night: “I really urge people to think hard about how you choose to enjoy that relaxation.
“I really would urge people to urge on the side of caution rather than, I’m afraid, have a big blowout with multiple households.
“I know the rules say three households, but there is ample scope alas for further increases in this disease during the tough winter months.”
NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson has written an urgent letter to Boris Johnson warning any relaxation may “trigger a third wave”.
The body, which represents all hospital trusts in England, stopped short of demanding the five-day Christmas bubble system is reviewed now.
But Mr Hopson told Sky News: “We’re not calling at this point for the regulations to change, but that’s something I think we’re going to look at over the next few days.”
His letter to the Prime Minister added: ”Trust leaders are worried that if infection rates remain as high as they are at the moment, relaxing the restrictions will trigger a third wave”.
Mr Hopson warned people that just because they’re allowed to see elderly relatives, it doesn’t mean it’ll be safe.
“We need a much better debate about the risks of what’s going to happen over Christmas,” he told Sky. “We are very worried”.
He added: “Everybody’s currently working on the basis that because the rules are there, if they observe the rules they’ll be fine and that’s absolutely not the case.
“Any extra social contact particularly with people who are at risk from the virus is potentially a real problem.”
But Cabinet minister insisted a Christmas relaxation of coronavirus curbs will go ahead despite NHS chiefs' fears.
Dominic Raab told Sky News: “It has been a really tough year all round, everyone’s felt it, people do need that five-day window over Christmas to spend a bit of time with their loved ones.
“And I think from a mental health level and emotional level [people] do need that slack.
“That five-day period is built in to all the other approaches that we’re taking which is why we’ve been in a tougher, more restrictive tiered approach.”
