City leaders wish Bristol a happy and safe festive season

City leaders have come together to wish people living in Bristol a safe festive season and to thank everyone for driving Covid-19 infections down.

The rate of infection in now 115 per 100,000 people, down from for than 400 positive cases per 100,000 people several weeks ago.

As a result, Bristol will move from tier three to tier two at 00.01 on Saturday, December 19.

People will still not be able to meet inside with people they don’t live with, or have a support bubble with but restaurants and pubs serving food can reopen, as can entertainment venues, tourist attractions, and sports venues.

Restrictions will also be relaxed between December 23 and 27 to allow people of all faiths to come together over the holidays.

During this short period, people can form exclusive Christmas bubbles and socialise indoors with up to three households.

City leaders wish people in Bristol a happy festive season. Photo: Joab Smith

Prominent figures in the city have urged people to be cautious during the festive season however.

“This year has hugely challenged and affected us all,” says Bristol mayor Marvin Rees. “I know for many, Christmas will shine some light on a very difficult and dark period and I hope you are able to celebrate safely with your loved ones.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to people across the city for their role in protecting Bristol and each other. It’s not been easy and you have made sacrifice after sacrifice.

“However it’s important for us to all remember that the virus hasn’t gone away, and we still need to be cautious over Christmas. You don’t have to meet up with three households if you don’t want to, and we still must be vigilant about protecting elderly or vulnerable friends and family from Covid-19.”

Rees was among the city leaders to wish Bristol a safe festive season. Photo: CB Bristol Design

Christina Gray, director of public health for Bristol added: “Our spirits have been uplifted with news of the vaccine and we continue to support the NHS with the roll out in Bristol. However, it’s vital we take personal responsibility over the Christmas period to avoid another significant peak in infections in January, so please remember: hands, face, space, and ventilate enclosed areas to minimise risk of spread.

“Please celebrate safely, especially with those who are vulnerable, and have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.”

Bristol City Council’s We Are Bristol helpline will remain open for emergencies over the Christmas period, for those who need urgent help accessing food or collecting prescriptions. It will be open from 10am to 2pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and December 27 and 28

Other city leaders have also wished people a safe and healthy Christmas.

“Moving to tier two is news that will be welcomed by Bristol businesses and is the result of the hard work across our communities,” says James Durie, chief executive of Bristol Chamber and Initiative at Business West.

James Durie wishes Bristol a safe Christmas. Photo: Business West

He adds: “However, we must all continue to work very hard to follow the guidance, take precautions for ourselves and our colleagues and help to further drive down infections, otherwise the New Year will see us return to where we were.

“November and December are the peak trading periods for many of the businesses impacted and having their doors closed for so much of this period has been devastating to them.

“So many businesses are right on the edge of being able to survive and we all need to help by enabling them to stay open. So, whatever the temptations – please do follow the guidance. The virus will not be taking this Christmas off.”

Sandra Meadows, CEO of Voscur, adds: “It has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone in Bristol and as the end of the year and Christmas approaches I am also mindful of other religious celebrations such Eid, Hanukkah and Diwali where we’ve had to restrict celebrations and contact with loved ones.

“This year, every community in Bristol has really stepped up and played its part in helping to stop the spread of the virus and all efforts are very much appreciated.

“Christmas and New Year will be very different this year – Covid-19 is still with us and, in Bristol, we are still fighting to reduce case numbers and infection rates. Let’s start 2021 with renewed hope for an end to Covid-19 and restored energy to build an even better city for everyone.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Bristol to move from tier three to tier two