For those of us living in Tiers one, two and three, this Christmas probably seems like a gift compared to what people living in Tier 4 are contending with.

Christmas easing has been severely curtailed though even for people in the lower tiers, with households allowed to gather for just one day – Christmas Day itself – rather than the five days previously planned.

People are being urged to keep their Christmas Day gatherings small, short and local in tiers 1,2 and 3.

Last month, the Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG) and the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) dated November 26, issued some advice on how to make any Christmas Day plans safer.

1. Have an online gathering

​Postpone to a later date or opt for the great outdoors. From the outset, the experts recommend considering whether a physical gathering is really “essential”, or whether it could be held at another time in the future, or online instead.

2. Have an event outdoors

The scientists accept that social events and celebrations in winter “pose a particular challenge”, but they reiterate that the virus is much less likely to transmit between people if you are outside. Christmas Day lunch in the garden?

4. Limit the time spent together

Scientists recommend limiting the length of interactions, especially if people are mixing indoors. They said those “should be restricted as much as possible and reserved for short duration quality time”. 

5. Limit the number of people who meet, and choose the largest space possible

Scientists suggest spacing people further apart at the dinner table and cutting the number of people who meet can help reduce the risk and recommend gathering “in the largest space that is feasible”.

They advise on “simple actions” like rearranging furniture and taking turns to cook and wash up in order to avoid crowding and help people keep a safe distance from one another.

6. Open windows

Poorly ventilated spaces pose a higher risk, the scientists said, as they acknowledged the greater likelihood of this happening in cold winter weather when people keep windows closed.

They recommend “short-term airing” – by opening windows for between 10 and 15 minutes every hour.

They said extractor fans, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that visitors use, can also help, and again recommend wearing face coverings when people are not eating or drinking “to reduce risk further”.

7. Ditch the board games in favour of a quiz

Board games involving shared objects are not recommended, experts say.

Games involving lots of shared objects, such as board games, are not recommended. Scientists say these could be substituted for quiz-based games.

If shared objects are involved, make sure there is good hand hygiene and do your best to avoid touching your face during the activities, the experts say.

9. Don’t make a song and dance

Festive singalongs indoors are not recommended, with experts saying several studies have shown that singing is associated with a high transmission risk especially if ventilation is poor.

And dancing along to your favourite Christmas tunes is not advised either, with scientists saying aerobic activities like high-energy dance fitness have been linked to outbreaks, explaining that this is probably down to higher breathing rates.

They recommend avoiding singing or dancing in indoor spaces, but say that, where this does happen, “limiting the loudness of singing and the duration of activities” and ensuring good ventilation and space between people “are likely to reduce risks”.

9. Hygiene is key

Hygiene is key at Christmas get-togethers.

Make sure tissues, wipes, and sanitiser aplenty are all available at any gathering and remember to provide bins to dispose of these.

To remind young children especially, consider using signs and stickers, scientists say.

They state that people should wash or sanitise hands before a meal and ensure those cooking or serving food also practise good hygiene.

10. Elbow bumps rather than hugs

Scientists advise that people should avoid physical contact “as far as possible”, especially anything involving face-face or face-hand contact.

They suggest “gestures such as elbow bumps or air greetings could be used as alternatives”.

They add: “If there is physical contact it is a good idea to keep it to the minimum duration, turn faces away and wash hands afterwards.”

11. Plan your gathering

The scientists suggest a “household plan” could be drawn up to “include agreements around managing activities and the physical environment”.

They said it is beneficial to “explicitly consider vulnerable people and how they may be able to participate safely” and note particularly events involving children where they might be mixing with people who are vulnerable to serious consequences from infection.

They said the plan is most likely to be successful “if it is clear and accessible for all those involved”, suggesting a physical or digital document or checklist to ensure everyone involved “is aware of the ‘rules’ they have agreed collaboratively”.