SHOULD the Christmas Covid rules be scrapped?

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove is resuming talks over the plans for up to three households to mix between December 23 and 27 with leaders of the devolved administrations.

Two leading medical journals warned an easing of restrictions would “cost many lives”, while the British Medical Association (BMA) echoed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in demanding an urgent rethink.

We asked people for their views on the Bournemouth Echo’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

In a Twitter poll, 68 per cent of those who cast a vote said the mixing of households should be axed over Christmas.

Here are some of the responses from people on our Facebook page.

1. At the end of the day, whether they revoke the rule bend or not people are going to do exactly as they please at Christmas. Them ‘sanctioning’ it is just a way of them avoiding having to enforce something they know full well they won’t be able to enforce.

2. Avoiding Christmas at all costs. Seeing my direct family at a distance, not sharing Christmas table, no hugging or kissing. To me it is common sense until that vaccine has been in my arm. I wish some people will learn to give up something, in order to reap the rewards at a later date.

3. I have already made the choice to avoid family this Christmas to help save lives and keep my loved ones safe. I think many people will do the same regardless of the rules. But some people need rules in order to understand the seriousness of the situation as they have been lucky to avoid the seriousness thus far.

4. I will be seeing my family. Life is very short so live it while you can. I hear they are trying to say only two days meeting up not five but if you are going to catch it any day there is a chance. I go to work everyday and meet 150 plus people but am not supposed to mix with my own family. Well I’m going to.

5. We’ve made the sad decision to cancel our Xmas plans, stay home and FaceTime everyone who matters to us. We just didn’t think it was worth the risk and when we cancelled the ones we’d been due to see were disappointed but relieved too as they were worried they might unknowingly infect us. After isolating for nine months it’s not worth the risk especially now the vaccine is so close.

6. I’m going to enjoy Christmas, knowing my extended family is as safe as possible. We will be meeting up as soon as it is safe to do so. The end is in sight with the vaccine being rolled out. We shouldn’t put ourselves at risk of falling at the final hurdle.

7. No guidance can be given. Covid will not go away from the 23rd to the 27th December. Just because someone gave me guidance to jump off a cliff I wouldn't do it. We all know the risks. At least you won't be fined if you’re seeing someone whose final Christmas it might be.

8. I'm all for allowing families to make their own decisions regarding their own vulnerable family members .However, as a teacher I'm worried about returning to the classroom when infection rates rocket in January.

9. I haven’t made sacrifices for the past 9 months to undo the progress in 5 days. Keeping my family and friends safe is more important to me.

10. Next Christmas is not guaranteed for any of us.... who's to say every one of your family will be here next year.... If you already have a frail, elderly relative the thought of seeing family at Xmas maybe the only thing keeping them going.

11. Not letting Boris dictate how my family spends Christmas. One thing this year has taught us is to enjoy every day. Spend time with.your family while you can.