Christmas coronavirus concerns include third wave

Relaxing COVID-19 restrictions over the Christmas holidays could encourage a third wave, government scientists warn.

This comes as families in the UK will be allowed to gather, in three-household groups regardless of size, between the 23rd and the 27th of December.

This recent move from Downing St will see travel restrictions within and between devolved nations will be lifted, to allow people and students to join their families.

But scientists argue that this move, by bringing bunches of people together from various age groups for a prolonged period of time will lead to unnecessary deaths, an expected rise in coronavirus cases and subsequent pressure on the NHS.

This concern is paired with criticism from MPs, that the government's recent decision is driven by "headlines" rather than science.

Professor Andrew Hayward from UCL, spoke on BBC Two's Newsnight saying "effectively what this will be doing is throwing fuel on the Covid fire".

He added: "With the vaccine on the way, if we are not very careful over Christmas we are really in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory on this one."