TV & Film
Dr Hilary explains the devastating impact celebrating Christmas could have in ‘impassioned speech’
Is it really worth it?
Dr Hilary Jones shares what he thinks of the potential five-day easing of lockdown to allow for Christmas celebrations.
He delivered what is being described as an ‘impassioned’ speech detailing why the country should forego Christmas this year.
Addressing the reports of a 25-day lockdown for a five-day easing of lockdown at Christmas, he said: “Estimates, of course. It is based on the fact that if you have so many households coming together, the prevalence of the disease already would mean more ( coronavirus ) cases.
“You are going to transmit the virus to more households and more people. This would inevitably lead to more hospitalisations.
“Every day, they have calculated, would require five extra days of toughened restrictions and measures.
“So five days of Christmas festivities means 25 days of lockdown. It all has to be balanced – think of the economy, and what that does to people’s mental health.
“They talk about balance of risk all the time and that is exactly what it is.
“Piers pointed out yesterday how other religious groups had had to forego their festivities. They have made that sacrifice. One has to question whether five days at Christmas, to have those parties, that roast turkey, really warrants shutting down the country.
“That is a question the government has to ask.”
Ben Shephard replied: “We do not know, do we Hilary? We do not know yet the effectiveness of this lockdown because of the lag.
“We can see the new infections and cases flatlining – they are NOT increasing. But we are two or three weeks behind in terms of the data.”
What do you think?