Covid-19: Boris Johnson announces Christmas relaxation of rules - what you had to say

Prior to Boris Johnson's announcement about the government's plans, The Chronicle asked readers 'should Covid restrictions be relaxed for Christmas?' - a question which saw the majority of readers answering a resounding 'no'.

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In the responses, most said that social distancing and remaining within households should continue into the Christmas period, despite a call for families to be able to celebrate together.

Replying to the question, Karen Hare said: "Stupid opening everything up all at once, everyone rushes out then the R rate will go up by Christmas week, not worth it just stay safe bit longer" while Carol Franks and Judith Helen Williams simply said: "no."

Michael Martin said: "If you could get a guaranteed agreement from Covid-19 that there will be no infections over Christmas time then sure you could relax Covid restrictions.

"No absolute guarantee, no relaxing!"

The question also attracted responses from people far from Reading, with Jacky Frake-Milton commenting: "None of my business, I am a West Australian, where we have had it good through this horrible time, but in England there is still too much danger, and to relax restrictions now may be asking for trouble."

John Robert Derron suggested it would be safer in the long term not to meet up with family during Christmas, saying: "If I had a 90-year-old nan or grandad would I risk them just to drop a gift off and spend some time with them?

"100 per cent not, because I'd like to see them reach 91 years old.

"We must protect the vulnerable and individuals and family’s must remember this! Yes it’s s*** being lonely at Christmas but this is like no other Christmas.

"A five day relaxation on the rules may work with younger families mixing. But everyone has to play their part."

Five-day relaxation

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to give details tomorrow (November 26) regarding which areas of England will be placed in which tier ahead of the end of national lockdown on December 2.

The UK government and the devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed a limited relaxation of restrictions over Christmas.

Up to three households will be allowed to form a Christmas “bubble” over the festive period as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed for five days across the UK.

The temporary easing of measure will last between December 23 and December 27.

Despite families being able to mix at home, restrictive measures will still be in place in venues such as pubs or restaurants as dependant on the new tier system.

"The virus is our war"

Readers seemed to disagree with the government's decision, with many stating that the consequences would not be worth it.

Cathy O'Nyons said: "So rumour has it, for every day relaxed measures, five days of lockdown to follow.

"If they are relaxed, social distancing MUST remain a key focus" while Will Carvell added: "nope, vaccine will have only just been rolled out to most vulnerable by April providing they get sign of to use it this year."

Jim Blair added: "No, it will be back to lockdown again in January" and suzukimike49 on Twitter replied: "No, Covid-19 never takes a day off."

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Bob Gardiner compared the virus to war that should be fought even during Christmas, adding: "Imagine we were at war, can you imagine if we were are allowed to stop because it's Christmas? "Then go back to war after and loved ones don't come back.

"This virus is our war now! No matter what, we will wait to see our loved ones - rather be safe than sorry! "Going to be hard not seeing the kids and grandkids but everyone's health has to come first."

Some disagreed though, believing that a "normal" Christmas would be what the country needs after difficult year.

Laura Hamblin Mcgill said: "We need a break after a s*** year."