'Who would want to risk it?' - Mail readers on celebrating Christmas during Covid pandemic

That’s the question we asked Mail readers as reports suggest that households might be allowed to mix indoors for a five-day period from Christmas Eve – but with tougher restrictions to follow afterwards in January.

Health officials say that any easing of restrictions would have to be followed by a reduction in social contact afterwards, with Public Health England indicating that for every one day of relaxation, five days of tighter restrictions could be needed.

Under this model, a five-day easing could mean a potential 25-day period of tighter measures into January.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

Here’s what you had to say on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page:

Wayne Fleet: “I, like a lot of other key and essential works. Will have to work the majority of, if not all, of these five relief days.

"And then once again face the punishing consequences of them.

"So yes, end the lockdown before Christmas but leave us unlocked and free into the new year.

"Protect the elderly and vulnerable but allow everyone else to get on with their lives and businesses.”

Philly Noble: “We shouldn’t be in lockdowns if people have common sense.”

Paul Saunders: “Just to have a turkey dinner? No thanks. Who would want to risk it and see family members die in January.”

Callum Ferguson: “Do they not realise this undermines the whole argument for lockdown?”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.