Public Health Scotland urged the Scottish people to cancel their Christmas parties due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
Perhaps many people will disregard the advice after alleged illegal parties at Number 10 last Chrismas. Businesses will suffer, particularly the hospitality sector due to cancelations of Christmas parties. More importantly people’s mental health, lack of socialising with family and friends, and having the fear of being called selfish if you continue on with your life.
Public Health Scotland advised the spread of Omicron is being linked to Christmas parties, although one would say there is no difference being in a pub or restaurant for a non-Christmas gathering.
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director, said in a statement “There is much that we still need to learn about Omicron, but early evidence suggests that this new Covid variant is much more transmissible. The impact of this transmissibility has been seen in recent weeks, with a number of Omicron outbreaks linked to parties.
“We still need to learn more about the severity of disease caused by Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines, but there are important things that we can do to help protect ourselves and our families now. To help minimise the further spread of Covid-19, and Omicron in particular, I would strongly urge people to defer their Christmas parties to another time.
“I appreciate that everyone is keen to celebrate this festive season, particularly after the pressures of the last twenty months, but by postponing some plans we can all do our bit to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
With continued negativity, endless restrictions, new variants, the big question is, when will this pandemic end?
How to get help: If you are struggling or you are worried about a loved one, contact Samaritans on 116123. For more advice visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health or www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus
