Kingston Council’s Director of Public Health urges residents to think carefully this Christmas
As cases of Covid-19 increase dramatically in Kingston, people across the borough are encouraged to take extreme care in the run up to the festive period.
Residents are reminded to think carefully to try and reduce the risk to relatives and friends - and to consider whether it is safe to meet up at all.
Director of Public Health, Iona Lidington said:
“We have seen a sharp rise in cases of Covid-19 across the whole of Kingston, along with the rest of London - and infections are still rising. This means more people are getting ill, there is increasing pressure on our local hospital and NHS services and we must act now to save lives.
“You have the chance now to influence how safe your Christmas will be. Don’t put your family and friends at risk - particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable. #
“Even though you can form a Christmas bubble of up to 3 households, you should think very carefully before deciding whether it is safe to meet up at all. It is vital we all remain cautious to try and protect the people we care about and prevent them becoming ill.
“If you do meet, keep the number of people in your Christmas bubble as small as possible, and don’t travel far. You should also take extra care now to try and avoid picking up Covid-19 in the days leading up to 23 December, when bubbles start. Remember, around 1 in 3 people carry the virus without having any symptoms, so reducing mixing with others will make a real difference.
“The basics work - wash your hands, wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, keep a safe distance and do not mix anywhere indoors with people from outside your household or support bubble.
“Please do your bit now - protect yourself and your loved ones and try to keep Christmas safe.”
New advice around Christmas Bubbles and how to keep yourself and others as safe as possible over the festive period has been issued by the government. Although up to three households are allowed to form a Christmas bubble between 23 and 27 December, the following guidance has been given:.
-
Minimise non-essential contact with anyone outside of your household for at least 5 days before meeting other people in your Christmas Bubble
-
Minimise the amount of time you spend with your Christmas Bubble
-
Ensure indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible
-
Make space between members of different households wherever you can
-
Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
You can find more information about Christmas Bubbles on the Government website.