The UK Government and Devolved Administrations issued a new update this Monday 23rd advising the public on the new regulations which are required to be in force over the festive period. Over recent weeks, there has been significant anticipation brewing to hear what a Covid-19 Christmas may look like, practically.
The Christmas season is always traditionally a time when we meet up with family and friends to socialize and visit both public and private spaces. However, in the unprecedented circumstances caused by Covid-19 over the course of the year, the risk that these traditions are under threat has been very real for everyone as we get closer to that time of year. In a quest to limit the transmission of the virus, many families have been forced to isolate, without being permitted to spend time with loved ones, particularly for those who have been identified as being vulnerable, and advised to ‘self-isolate’ or shield in their own homes.
“We need everyone to think carefully about what they do during this period, balancing some increased social contact with the need to keep the risk of increased transmission of the virus as low as possible. This is particularly important when considering those who are vulnerable, and before deciding to come together over the festive period we urge the consideration of alternative approaches such as the use of technology or meeting outside”.
Understanding the latest government guidance
The new regulations have suggested that the period between the 23rd and 27th of December will have a relaxed set of rules, to enable families to mingle more freely over this time. The travel restrictions across the UK will be altered, tiers permitting, so that families can travel to each other’s homes. The so-called ‘Christmas bubbles’ of three households each are permitted to congregate in the home environment, at a place of worship, or in a public place – a positive step forward despite the regulations around hospitality venues and other shared spaces.
How SureSan can help through this festive period
Many people may have mixed views about the relaxation in Covid-19 rules, and while some families will be overjoyed at getting to spend more time with those they love, others may naturally feel cautious and decide against taking advantage of the relaxed restrictions. Our advice for everyone over Christmas is to maintain the usual recommendations about hand hygiene and disinfecting surfaces, no matter what you and your family decide to do over the holiday season.
If you and your family do venture out, keep a reliable supply of hand sanitizer close by, to regularly disinfect your hands and reduce the risk of onward transmission. You might also want to invest in one of our tubs of antibacterial wipes, to clean down surfaces before and after meeting up with members of your family. These products are ideal for maintaining exemplary hygiene in leisure environments such as pubs, restaurants and cafes.
SureSan has plenty of stock to keep people safe over the Christmas holiday, including wipes, sanitizers, sanitizer stations and wall-mounted dispensers. If you’re a business owner looking to reopen for the Christmas period, get in touch with us today and see how our range can help control the onward spread of the virus and keep your premises safe and compliant with all the regulatory requirements.
In the meantime, it’s time to get positive about the upcoming holidays, and the opportunity to see our families once again! In the uncertainty and confusion which has blighted the majority of 2020, it’s time to look forward to the future, with the new vaccine and the prospect of a return to the ‘old’ normal in the coming months!