Relaxing coronavirus restrictions over Christmas could lead to an “unrelenting tsunami” of cases, a nursing chief has warned, as a minister warned a third lockdown wasn't off the table.
Ministers were coming under increasing pressure to strengthen the tier system in the New Year, with reports that even tighter measures were being considered for those in the areas with spiralling cases.
Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said ministers should give “fresh and more detailed” advice to the public with a week to go until Christmas.
“After a difficult year, it is everybody’s instinct to want to be together and see loved ones – especially those who live far apart or feel isolated. But what is at stake is coming into sharp focus,” she said.
“Travelling and family visits associated with this time of year will undoubtedly lead to more cases, more pressure on NHS and care services, and more deaths. By turning the second and third waves into an unrelenting tsunami, we would begin 2021 in the worst possible way.”
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said “we rule nothing out” when asked about the possibility of a national lockdown after Christmas.
He told BBC Breakfast: “We think the tier system is a very effective way, of course, (but) you know, we rule nothing out.
This Government is absolutely determined to tackle this virus.” Up to three households are able to mix between December 23 and 27, while travel to and from Northern Ireland is also permitted on December 22 and 28.
The dire warnings came as swathes of southern and eastern England prepare to enter the top tier of Covid-19 restrictions. Elsewhere across the UK governments have announced plans to clamp down on the spread post-Christmas freedom.
Northern Ireland announced a six-week lockdown to start on Boxing Day, following Wales’ lead to preempt the threat to health services, while ministers in Scotland also refused to rule out tougher curbs.
