MILLIONS of Brits are now being told NOT to travel across the UK until it’s “absolutely necessary”.
Government transport chiefs have started new “cautionary messaging” as ministers urge people to be careful around seeing family and friends next week.
The tone will change to “Don’t travel unless you absolutely have to.”
The Government’s Christmas travel tsar, Peter Hendy, said today: “I think one ought to say be careful, one ought to say stay local.”
He told MPs people also must make sure they’ve booked their transport in advance, or face being turned away.
He added: “But the most important part of the message is book public transport early.”
The huge change in shift comes despite ministers saying the Christmas laws will stay the same – and people will still be allowed to meet up in a maximum of three households over five days.
Ministers will have more crunch calls with the devolved administrations later today – after no firm decision was taken yesterday.
But this morning Robert Jenrick insisted the rules would stay the same and people could still meet up if they want to.
Instead people should think about whether they really should meet up, and consider “making Easter the new Christmas” with a get-together next year instead.
Fresh guidance will urge people to stay near to where they live, not see elderly relatives, and to isolate beforehand if they can.
They will alter their messaging by telling people to be careful, and stressing the decision will be a personal one for every family.
The change in message comes as London, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire went into Tier 3 today – forcing all restaurants, cafes and bars to close and do takeaway only.
And cases are rising in the South of England.
Mr Jenrick said people should consider whether they can “meet up in the spring… Easter can be the new Christmas for some people.”
He went on: “Because the rate of infection is rising in many parts of the country, it is incumbent on each and every family to have that conversation – ‘is that right for our family?’”
He said getting people together would “not be cost free” and would have an impact on positive cases.
“We are taking decisive action and the legal restrictions we’re taking are stronger than the US.
“Myself and other members of the government are issuing a sombre warning and guidance to think carefully how you want to treat Christmas in your households.
“There are risks in bringing people together with a virus which thrives on social interaction.”
His own 80-year-old parents have decided not to see him and his family for Christmas this year, he added.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/politics/heathrow-airport-win-supreme-court-challenge-to-give-green-light-to-third-runway/
