'Just because you can get together, doesn't necessarily mean you should'
Swindon's Director of Public Health has spoken to Greatest Hits Radio
Last updated 22nd Dec 2020
As we approach the five-day period where families can mix with up to two other households, Swindon's health bosses have issued a key message to residents.
People are being encouraged to think twice, before opting to see loved ones this Christmas.
Given the increase in local cases over recent weeks, Swindon Borough Council is concerned that mixing may expose vulnerable and elderly residents.
In the seven days up to December 17, the number of people testing positive for Coronavirus in Swindon was 41% higher than the South West average.
For every 100,000 of the population, 138.6 people in Swindon tested positive for COVID. Across the South West, that figure was 98.5.
'A commuter town to London'
We asked Steve Maddern, the town's Director of Public Health, about the rationale behind this:
"Swindon is often seen as a commuter town to London.
"We've seen more testings, and if you test more you're going to find more (positive cases).
"Swindon is largely rural around the edges, but has quite an urban dense centre, which means that there is more potential for being able to mix".
This offers some insight as to why Swindon has seen a higher case rate than the wider region for most of the pandemic.
There are fears the highest level of Coronavirus measures, Tier 3, could therefore be issued to the town in the New Year.
The government is due to review the restrictions once more on 30 December.
The local risk of contracting COVID-19 means residents are urged to be precautious, if choosing to spend the festive period with relatives.
'Think about your vulnerable family members'
Steve added: "The whole purpose of the Christmas guidelines is to encourage people to mix sensibly.
"Keep it small, keep it short, keep it local and think about your vulnerable family members at this time.
"Just because you can get together, doesn't necessarily mean you should".