Fears the festive season could be the toughest yet for Sandwell
The relaxation of Covid rules over Christmas is going to make the festive period and the coming New Year the toughest yet for coronavirus in Sandwell – a health boss has warned.
Dr Lisa McNally, Sandwell's director of public health, said the prospect of the next few weeks keeps her awake at night despite recent falls in case numbers and rates of infections.
Speaking to councillors this week she said: “You only have to look at the news to see the pictures of shops being full and then we have a break in restrictions over Christmas when households will come together more, that inevitably will have a serious impact on infection rates.”
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Pleading with people not to forget to protect themselves and their families and to heed the warnings from experts, she added: “We have a tough few weeks ahead, so we are trying to stay on message and remind our local population that of course the future is very hopeful with mass testing and vaccinations helping us recover but we have a challenging period ahead of us.
“We need everybody to keep their feet on the ground and remember that the next four to five weeks are going to be the most crucial of the whole pandemic in determining outcomes.”
Up to three households will be allowed to meet over the five-day period between December 23 and 27.
Warn
Neighbouring Dudley has joined with other local authorities to warn of the dangers and ask residents to think ‘long and hard’ about mixing with other people.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “We can mix with two other households for five days over Christmas – but should we?
“We’re all missing family and friends, and it’s understandable that people are desperate for some form of normality.
“But Covid doesn’t have a calendar. It doesn’t respect Christmas, just as it didn’t respect Eid, Diwali or Hanukkah.
“That’s why we are urging the people of the borough to think carefully whether a Christmas extended bubble is a good idea.”
He added: “This awful virus is as dangerous now as it was back in March and tragically it continues to kill. Covid also continues to pile pressure on the NHS and the very last thing our hospitals need is a post-Christmas third wave.”
