Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested the government will not stop households from meeting up over Christmas despite rising COVID-19 infection rates in some parts of the country.
Speaking after he announced London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire are to be placed into the toughest coronavirus measures, Mr Hancock said the government did not rule out further action to act against the virus.
But, quizzed repeatedly on whether the government would rethink its plans to allow up to three households to gather indoors over the festive period, the health secretary would only urge people to be “careful and responsible”.
“Our message around Christmas is really clear,” Mr Hancock said at a Downing Street news conference.
“We understand why people want to see their loved ones, especially at this time of year, especially after this year – we all feel that.
“But it also must be done in a way that is careful and responsible.
“And I think people understand that too.
“That’s why we’ve taken the approach that we have.
“But if you are planning to meet up with loved ones at Christmas, then being careful now two weeks ahead – and making sure you minimise the chance of both catching the disease and passing it on – is the right thing to do.
“Actually, that’s the right thing to do all of the time.”
