Enjoy Christmas but don’t forget to social distance say Cornwall Council
Residents are being urged to continue to follow the Government's coronavirus rules over the festive season
It is more important than ever to follow the Government's coronavirus restrictions in the Duchy, as we get set to move into Tier 2.
That is the message from officials this Christmas.
The Duchy has been in the lowest tier of coronavirus restrictions but from Boxing Day onwards Cornwall will be in Tier 2 high alert.
Residents are being urged not to let their guard down and see all the hard work that has gone into being covid-safe go to waste.
“If anything, now is the time to redouble our efforts to follow the public health guidelines, and to ensure we do not waste the hard work we have already put in.
“This is especially important as we build up towards Christmas and new year – which is traditionally a time for socialising.
“We have all missed the normal human interaction we took for granted before this year, and the temptation to meet for festive drinks is strong.
“Thanks to everyone’s hard work and sacrifice, Cornwall has avoided the worst of this global pandemic so far and protected our vulnerable residents. We want to keep it that way.
“To relax now and to undo all of that effort would cost lives, damage our local economy and would be frankly unforgivable.”
Cllr Sally Hawken, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Wellbeing and Public Health
Residents are being urged to think carefully about their festive plans, as the more people we see, the more likely the virus will spread.
“We know it is incredibly easy to catch and spread coronavirus. You can spread it to others even if you and the people you meet have no symptoms.
“With this in mind, we are simply asking you and the other people in your Christmas bubble to consider these risks carefully before agreeing to form a bubble.
"You could always celebrate Christmas in other ways, by using technology or meeting outdoors for a walk, without bringing households together or travelling between different parts of the country.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
New Year’s Eve will look and feel very different in Cornwall this year with no official events planned in any towns.
The likes of St Ives, Newquay, Looe, Padstow and Truro, where people traditionally gather to enjoy the new year atmosphere and watch the fireworks, have already made it clear that the usual events are cancelled and would urge people to celebrate at home instead of gathering outdoors to help keep everyone safe.
With the winter pressures compounded by the fight against Covid, concerns are already being raised about the strain on our NHS and emergency services this year.
Holiday accommodation providers in Cornwall are also working hard to make potential visitors aware of the rules in Cornwall.
“If you are visiting Cornwall, whether to enjoy a break or visiting relatives, make sure you have a plan with accommodation booked and you and your party are not showing symptoms before travel.
“Anyone coming to Cornwall also needs to remember to follow the guidance for the tier they are in. So visitors from Tier 2 will follow Tier 2 rules in hospitality and accommodation settings.
“Everyone needs to do their bit and stick to the rules this festive season, whether they’re locals or visitors. People in Cornish bubbles could also be carrying the virus as much as visitors might be and everyone needs to be on their guard against the virus.”
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall
More information about Christmas bubbles and visiting other areas and other festive advice is available on the Cornwall Council website here.