Julian’s statement on revised Christmas restrictions
December 19, 2020
“After an incredibly tough year, I understand these changes to household mixing over the festive period will be hard for families and friends who were looking forward to seeing each other for Christmas.
While the last-minute nature of the changes is less than ideal, I believe that the updated restrictions are necessary when facing a surge in cases led by a new, more infectious strain of the virus. It would be unfortunate to undo all the hard work York residents have put into supressing local rates by encouraging too many households to mix over a prolonged period, especially when many would be travelling from areas with high infection rates.
What is clear though is that these restrictions cannot continue for much longer. Soon it will be a whole year since we entered a national lockdown, therefore I believe the end of March, if it is not possible sooner, would be an appropriate point to draw a line in the sand for when the majority of restrictions will be lifted.
By then a large proportion of those most vulnerable to the virus will have received their vaccination, thus leaving a more manageable number of those still awaiting the vaccine to be supported through self-isolation. Businesses, schools, universities and many areas of our lives could then return to normality.
If any constituents are unsure about the current restrictions, please email my office for clarification. “
