Stay home for Hogmanay, urges NHS Grampian health chief

WITH 2021 only scant hours away, NHS Grampian are urging people in the region to keep their Hogmanay celebrations to their own household.

It comes as infection rates hit record highs with new strains of the virus proving to be more mobile that the one which hit the country early in 2020.

, said: “Many people, myself included, will be heartily glad to see the back of this year and I completely understand the desire to celebrate a new year.

Unfortunately, we will not be leaving Covid-19 behind us when we bid farewell to 2020. I know we have asked so much of you all this year and we’re asking again – please do not host or attend Hogmanay parties, no matter how small. Remember we are in Level 4 restrictions and should not be socialising with other households indoors, nor should we be travelling to other local authority areas.

“The approval of a second vaccine for use in the UK is great news but it does not mean we can all get back to ‘normal’. With many thousands of people in Grampian alone eligible for immunisation, it will take time to roll it out.

"Until we see significant numbers vaccinated, we all need to keep doing the things we’ve been doing all these months: limiting our contact with other households, using face coverings, washing our hands with water and soap, and keeping our distance when carrying out essential tasks like shopping.

“I want everyone to think creatively about the ways they can mark the arrival of 2021 in their household groups. This could be movie marathons, playing boardgames or cards, or cooking up a special meal.

"If you do want to wish friends and family well, and can’t face another virtual gathering, arrange to meet outside during the day on the 31st or the 1st. It is still possible to meet in either a public park or private garden, provided no more than six people, from two households, are involved. Remember, children under the age of 12 do not count towards that total.”