Press conference tonight to clear up Christmas confusion

[Hapixmas]

www.itv.com/news/2020-12-16/boris-johnson-to-hold-covid-press-conference-with-update-on-christmas-rules-expected

I didn’t listen to this one.

Sounds depressing. We set the score too early and now in that corner.

It’s all a bit much. Poor Wales too

It's not always what Boris says.

It's how he says it.

Fwiw (and I think he's a prize twat) I think the message was clear in that he doesn't want to curb Christmas but he explores the nation to do the minimum and not just do 5 wholes days in a large 3 household bubble because they can.

But he doesn't have any presence of control. He doesn't ooze authority and respect which is important for a PM - especially during this pandemic. I fear people don't take him seriously because he actually doesn't take himself seriously enough and makes silly quips.

Just tell not to us straight. The poster above is right that those who will flour rules will anyway. But a vast majority of the nation are sensible, socially responsible adults.
Give it to them straight - adult to adult. And get people on board with you.

So since this afternoon they have updated the guidance.

During the press conference Johnson said that between now and Christmas we should all try and reduce our social contacts and what we do to avoid infecting those in our bubble.

The guidance doesn't say anything like this.

Instead it talks about what we should be doing AFTER the 27th which I don't recall him saying during the press conference. (Did I miss this??)

It says:
From 28 December
It is important to cut down on social contact after seeing your Christmas bubble, to reduce the risk of chains of transmission. From 28 December, you must follow the guidance for the tier in your area, as a minimum. Christmas bubbles will no longer apply. In most places across the UK, that means you cannot mix with other households indoors, including on New Years’ Eve.

Those who choose to form a Christmas bubble should exercise additional caution and cut down on unnecessary social contact after seeing their Christmas bubble to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. This includes not meeting up with friends or family outside your household for New Years Eve.

This is aimed at EVERYONE not just those in Christmas Bubbles. They are advising us ALL to see as few people as possible in the days AFTER.

The guidance now also says
Between 23 and 27 December, you should consider carefully the risks of travelling to see your Christmas bubble. If you live in an area with the highest level of protection, for example, tier 3 in England and level 4 in Scotland, you should avoid travelling to lower prevalence areas where possible. If you have to travel, book ahead to enable you and others to travel safely and plan your outwards and return journeys carefully. Once at your destination, you should follow the rules in that tier, stay local and avoid unnecessary travel within the area after you arrive.

and

If necessary, you can stay in a hotel, hostel or B&B during the Christmas period, in line with the rules in your tier. This includes tier 3 areas between 22 and 28 December, as long as you’re staying by yourself or with other members of your household, or support bubble. You should not gather as a Christmas bubble in a hotel, hostel or B&B in any tier unless a member of your Christmas bubble lives there permanently.

If necessary, you can stay in private rented accommodation such as short term holiday lets with members of your household, or your Christmas bubble.

Which are the only other significant changes I can see in the (english) guidance.

So this really doesn't make things clearer because they've changed things, added bits and there are even more you should nots in there (as opposed to must not).

No one will pay attention to any of this...

houseinthesnow that twat Johnson's Brexit shenanigans and now this no deal threat have caused us untold personal stress. Fuck him.

Max but it is al the nasty EU and France's fault, not Johnson....

RTB, New Year wasn't mentioned at all was it, just the 5 days of merry little Christmas

@RedToothBrush

So since this afternoon they have updated the guidance.

During the press conference Johnson said that between now and Christmas we should all try and reduce our social contacts and what we do to avoid infecting those in our bubble.

The guidance doesn't say anything like this.

Instead it talks about what we should be doing AFTER the 27th which I don't recall him saying during the press conference. (Did I miss this??)

It says:
From 28 December
It is important to cut down on social contact after seeing your Christmas bubble, to reduce the risk of chains of transmission. From 28 December, you must follow the guidance for the tier in your area, as a minimum. Christmas bubbles will no longer apply. In most places across the UK, that means you cannot mix with other households indoors, including on New Years’ Eve.

Those who choose to form a Christmas bubble should exercise additional caution and cut down on unnecessary social contact after seeing their Christmas bubble to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. This includes not meeting up with friends or family outside your household for New Years Eve.

This is aimed at EVERYONE not just those in Christmas Bubbles. They are advising us ALL to see as few people as possible in the days AFTER.

The guidance now also says
Between 23 and 27 December, you should consider carefully the risks of travelling to see your Christmas bubble. If you live in an area with the highest level of protection, for example, tier 3 in England and level 4 in Scotland, you should avoid travelling to lower prevalence areas where possible. If you have to travel, book ahead to enable you and others to travel safely and plan your outwards and return journeys carefully. Once at your destination, you should follow the rules in that tier, stay local and avoid unnecessary travel within the area after you arrive.

and

If necessary, you can stay in a hotel, hostel or B&B during the Christmas period, in line with the rules in your tier. This includes tier 3 areas between 22 and 28 December, as long as you’re staying by yourself or with other members of your household, or support bubble. You should not gather as a Christmas bubble in a hotel, hostel or B&B in any tier unless a member of your Christmas bubble lives there permanently.

If necessary, you can stay in private rented accommodation such as short term holiday lets with members of your household, or your Christmas bubble.

Which are the only other significant changes I can see in the (english) guidance.

So this really doesn't make things clearer because they've changed things, added bits and there are even more you should nots in there (as opposed to must not).

No one will pay attention to any of this...

I think that is quite sensible actually.. I think everyone should be more careful after mixing at Christmas. I won't be seeing many in the week after Christmas. I have the week off and am planning on fully relaxing and just enjoying a bit of me time.

@DuncinToffee

Max but it is al the nasty EU and France's fault, not Johnson....

RTB, New Year wasn't mentioned at all was it, just the 5 days of merry little Christmas

I thought he did mention new years?

@DuncinToffee

Max but it is al the nasty EU and France's fault, not Johnson....

RTB, New Year wasn't mentioned at all was it, just the 5 days of merry little Christmas

I thought I was paying attention and hadn't missed it!

I am almost getting a feeling that they will drop a last minute mini lockdown in if the figures are looking really bad. There's another review due on the 23rd, so its possible.

My instinct on that would be that they would want to announce a mini lockdown in England starting on the 28th as late as possible to stop people doing stupid things or making people think "oh well I'm going to make the most of christmas".

I could be completely wrong, but I think the numbers for the next week ahead of christmas are going to be terrible enough. And NYE is a big worry.

Something is just setting off my spidey senses.

@RedToothBrush a review on the 30th assuming that anyone in government works that week would seem the most likely for additional so-called lockdown restrictions. Close all bars, clubs and restaurants and all non-essential shop perhaps.

There was talk about closing shops on boxing day but that seems to have stopped.

"

He always came out with stupid shit but he seems to really struggle to find words now, every other word is um or ah."

Don't forget the regular "Alas"

I don't think they'll make any announcement about tiers tomorrow. So much for they must be reviewed.

Do you we need the government to tell us this though, when they say, mix at Xmas it was always at your own risk?..

Many people don't care anyway!

SAYING reduce contacts when between the dc and I are exposed to 100s everyday?

It's ridiculous. But I don't need boris to tell me to be cautious? We always have a very small Xmas and one or two single friends may come over. We will be making our own risk assessments and guests decide what they would like to do..
Surely the balance is OK because the idiots will do what they want anyway, the law abiders like my guests will have the option to visit or have Xmas alone... And we have that freedom to decide our own risk. Eg many people have had covid and don't feel concerned.

@lyralalala

Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford just wait around to amend things in order to score points

This makes me laugh. If they announce anything first they are accused of gazumping Boris or trying to steal his thunder. If they announce anything different after then they are amending only to score points. If they do the same thing they are copycats and sheep who should be making specific decisions to fit their own countries

Pretty much this! They’re all damned if they do and damned if they don’t (and the vitriol goes up whichever way the decisions land).

This year is beyond shit. I get it. But I’m trying to calm myself by realising that so many other countries have got it “wrong”. If it was only the UK, then I’m not sure where I’d be mentally at the moment. It’s global, situations change and so measures have to be amended, and it’s all crap. Could the opposition have done better - who knows!

A favourite MN re driving speeds is “it’s a limit, not a target”. That’s how I hope lots are viewing Christmas gatherings. Really passing me off with “buuuuut, they said we could do this”. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. To all those struggling and choosing to do so for valid reasons (of which there will be many and that have been seriously thought out) then I totally get it. It’s the ones who just say “I don’t give a fuck” or who deliberately “misinterpret “ and do 3 different households on each day that get my goat.

clear as mud

you can go and mix but dont

@ArosAdraDrosDolig

It’s bad in South Wales. But in North Wales cases are low

Very true. I'm in North Wales and going by the criteria, we should be in the equivalent of the English tier 2 (as they are in Chester, just 20 miles away). The majority of cases are in south Wales, which, to be honest, is more difficult to get to from where I am than London or even Newcastle!! Go figure!

Not sure why we need to be reminded that it is our responsibility to take care of our loved ones. Stay home and reduce your exposure to the virus. Keep your grandparents safe, Christmas will be here again in a year.

@souptalk at least you, I and most people acknowledge the existence of all our families and our children. Unlike Mr Johnson.

@GabsAlot

clear as mud

you can go and mix but dont

It's really not that difficult.

As the Christmas lockdown rules were already agreed weeks ago, up to three families can still meet up at any time between the 23rd and the 27th December without being fined. However, due to the current covid rates, the government don't feel that it is safe, so don't recommend that you do. Especially if you were going to meet with elderly or vulnerable people.

@willsantausesantatize

Which bubble will Boris be in? He has a few children to get round.

I'm in my own one this year : just 4 of us and a bottle of baileys ( wiped down with anti viral cleaner first)

Boris lives in his own bubble