Derbyshire families warned there is 'no Christmas truce from virus'

Derbyshire residents are being urged to stay cautious about the risk of spreading coronavirus as rules become more relaxed at Christmas.
Families are urged to be cautious over who they choose to be in their 'bubbles'.Families are urged to be cautious over who they choose to be in their 'bubbles'.
Families are urged to be cautious over who they choose to be in their 'bubbles'.

The county’s director of public health Dean Wallace issued the warning as households will be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ of up to three households from December 23 until December 27.

Mr Wallace said: “After the year we’ve had I’m sure we’re all really looking forward to celebrating Christmas. But the virus hasn’t gone away so Christmas is going to look very different this year and I’d urge people not to let their guard down.

“We have to do everything we can to drive infection rates across the county down – including washing our hands, staying apart and wearing a face covering.

“We all want to celebrate Christmas safely so it is more important than ever that we all continue to do everything we can to protect our friends and family by sticking to the rules.

“And even though we’ve been given an opportunity to spend time with the people that we love we have to remember that there will be no ‘Christmas truce’ from this deadly virus, which will keep on spreading.

“This virus thrives on people being together so we must all think carefully about the risks of forming bubbles with our elderly and vulnerable relatives – and consider if it is a risk worth taking.”

Derbyshire County Council leader, councillor Barry Lewis, added: “We all want to celebrate Christmas but I’d urge everyone to do that safely by making sure they follow the rules so that we keep everyone safe and support our businesses to return to normal more quickly.”

Anyone who develops symptoms – a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a change to their taste or smell – should self-isolate for ten days immediately and book a test. Everyone in their household should isolate for 14 days.

They should not leave home while they wait for results or if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate because you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

For more information about coronavirus, to find out how and when to get a test and how to access support, visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.