Widespread confusion across England may lead to some Wiltshire residents inadvertently breaking the law over Christmas.
Many of the county’s residents wrongly believe that the five-day relaxation of the coronavirus laws have only been cancelled for people living under Tier 4 restrictions.
However, the cancellation of the Christmas break is for England as a whole, meaning people living in the Swindon Borough Council or Wiltshire Council areas – which are in Tier 2 at present – will only be able to mix with two other households on Christmas Day.
For every day apart from 25 December, the “high alert” rules should be followed. You can read more details about these on the UK Government website here.
Despite reports in the national media, the will be no additional police officers available to enforce the coronavirus legislation over Christmas — according to John Apter, the National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said policing across Swindon and Wiltshire would continue across Christmas and New Year and it is important that people ensure they understood the new Government restrictions and followed them carefully.
He said: “I am aware that the recent announcements made by the Government will mean that many people will have to change their plans for Christmas.
“Whilst this is upsetting for us all, it is vital that people across Wiltshire and Swindon ensure compliance with the regulations across the festive period.
“The latest scientific information from Public Health England shows that the new strain of the virus is accelerating at an alarming rate and we must all play our part in helping to stop its spread.
“We will continue to have our dedicated Covid police community support officers patrolling over the Christmas period, who will be working to keep us all safe. Traditionally this is a very busy time for the emergency services and I would ask people to also play their part in keeping themselves and their community safe.”
He added: “As many people prepare for a well-deserved break over the festive period, it’s important to remember that your local policing team will continue to be there when you need us at any hour of day or night.”
The festive five-day break ban comes after a new strain of COVID-19 was discovered, with the Prime Minister stating that it could be “77% more transmissible”.
“Keep it small, keep it short, keep it local and think of the most vulnerable people”, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty is advising people who are permitted to socialise on Christmas Day.
Sir Patrick Vallance adds that people should “assume you can be infectious”.
