RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard urges the public to keep their distance over Christmas.
While there has been much debate about whether the government should review the relaxation of COVID-19 rules over Christmas, RCP President Professor Andrew Goddard has issued a warning that people should not spend any longer together than they need to.
In a comment published in the Guardian, Professor Goddard said: “It is clear that there is a growing strength of feeling among our colleagues and peers that the relaxation of rules over Christmas is likely to lead to a growth in transmission of COVID-19. It is of course undeniable – the more people mix, the more likely it is that infected people will pass it on.
“But it’s also clear that the restrictions this year have taken a heavy toll on people. They are mentally and physically tired, missing their loved ones, and wanting a respite from all the disruption. That’s very understandable.
“Our members and their colleagues across the NHS will be working throughout Christmas, as they do every year, to deal with the usual increase in demand as well as the added pressure of COVID-19. It’s already getting busier, and that’s not going to change.
“On their behalf, I urge everyone to think very carefully about what they do, especially when it comes to interacting with people who are clinically vulnerable. We have a vaccine and the end is in sight – let’s keep protecting as many people as we can. Our advice has to be, keep your distance at Christmas and don’t spend any longer together than you need to – less is more this year.”