Ansaf Azhar, Director for Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We all remember that last Christmas was severely curtailed for everyone due to lockdown and restrictions. Luckily, we are in a different situation this year. However, we do now have a new variant to contend with as we head into winter. We want as many people as possible to have a COVID free festive period, which we all deserve after 2020.
“There are a number of ways we can do this. Firstly, get vaccinated – whether that’s your first or second dose or your booster jab. Increasing your levels of protection against this virus is particularly important at a time when we’re socialising much more. Everyone over 18 will be able to get a booster jab – keep an eye on when you are invited to get yours.
“Getting tested is also important because that means we avoid unwittingly taking COVID into someone’s home while visiting friends and family during Christmas. Taking a test provides reassurance that we can socialise without spreading the virus. The government has recently emphasised this part of its advice asking people to take tests regularly when they are mixing with people.
“Another positive move to make is to let in fresh air when indoors. I know it’s colder now, but even a little window open when gathering with others can help by stopping the virus from hanging around. Wearing a face covering in crowded spaces and washing your hands regularly also remain key.
“While we all hope and trust that this Christmas will be a more uplifting experience than 2020, it is fair to say that it still won’t be the same as in previous years.
“COVID thrives on the number of different contacts we have. The more we moderate our behaviour during December, the more likely we are to stack the odds in our favour in terms of getting to Christmas COVID-free.
“It’s fair to say that none of this is easy, particularly for families with children in school or for those whose jobs bring them into contact with lots of people. It’s a question of people managing things to the best of their ability, given their personal circumstances. That way all of us can look forward to a happy and healthy Christmas and new year.”