'Safety comes first' - Echo readers have their say on celebrating Christmas during Covid pandemic

That’s the question we asked Echo readers as reports suggest that households might be allowed to mix indoors for a five-day period from Christmas Eve – but with tougher restrictions to follow afterwards in January.

Health officials say that any easing of restrictions would have to be followed by a reduction in social contact afterwards, with Public Health England indicating that for every one day of relaxation, five days of tighter restrictions could be needed.

Under this model, a five-day easing could mean a potential 25-day period of tighter measures into January.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

Here’s what you had to say on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Gemma Cleghorn: “As much as it will be sad to not be with family at Christmas I don’t see the point in changing the rules for one day as you could still potentially be in contact with a family member with Covid or pass on Covid if families are allowed to mix.”

Philip Reay: “I think we need to get it under control once and for all. Or we are going to be In and out of lockdowns for months to come. That's all society think of these days profit and not the real reason we celebrate Christmas.”

Joyce Tatters: “Let's get rid of this horrible virus, then we can get back to normal, as best we can.”

Yvonne Collins: “Would rather do without Christmas Day if it means not being locked down right through January. I think people’s livelihoods have been affected enough.”

Emma Luke Campbell: “No one is taking any notice of the lockdown anyway and if they don’t let people see their family they will do what they want.”

Allison Nash: “Keeping everyone safe is far more important, we need to keep up the amazing work everyone is doing and get rid of this virus.”

Jane Sawyers: “I love my family with all my heart but safety comes first.”

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