A few weeks ago, the government announced that it would relax some coronavirus rules so that people could enjoy Christmas with loved ones.
However, Chris Hobson, chief executive of NHS Providers, cautioned that the truce could be revised in a few days, as it could trigger a third wave.
Hopson wrote an urgent letter to the prime minister warning him of the dangers of easing the rules – even if only for a few days, according to The Mirror.
But Mr. Hobson told Sky News: “We are not calling for a change of regulations at this point, but this is something I think we will need to look at over the next few days.”
His message to the Prime Minister added: “Leaders of confidence are concerned that if infection rates remain as high as they are at the present time, easing restrictions will lead to a third wave.”
The First Minister in Wales revealed this week that ministers met to discuss whether to change the Christmas rules but decided not to.
Ministers plan to review closing levels in England on Wednesday. People across the UK will be allowed to gather in a one-off Christmas bubble for up to three families from December 23-27.
But Mr. Hobson warned people that just because they were allowed to see elderly relatives, it didn’t mean it would be safe.
“We need to have a much better discussion about the risks of what will happen over Christmas,” he told Sky. “We are very concerned.”
He added, “Everyone is working now on the basis that since the rules are in place, they will be fine if they stick to the rules and that is not the case at all.”
“Any additional social contact, especially with people at risk from the virus, is likely to be a real problem.”
Today, Hopson pleaded with Mr. Johnson not to downgrade any area to a lower level just before Christmas.
He told Sky News that the NHS has 10,000 fewer beds than last year due to infection control measures – and 13,000 Covid patients in the remaining family.
“There are sunlit heights on Easter but we have to keep going … Another one moves around to overcome the winter hump,” said Mr. Hopson.
Social distancing rules will be relaxed for five days between December 23 and 27, allowing family members to hug for the first time in months.
A government spokeswoman said the ministers “will not hesitate to take the necessary measures to protect local communities” and that decisions are made based on the latest available data.
“We have introduced tight domestic restrictions to protect the progress made during the national restrictions, reduce the pressure on the NHS and ultimately save lives,” the spokeswoman said.
“On top of our record investment in the NHS, this winter we’re providing an additional £ 3 billion to maintain the independent sector and capacity for Nightingale Hospital and a further £ 450 million to modernize and expand A & Es.”
On Saturday, the government said 519 more people had died within 28 days of the result of the Covid-19 virus test in the UK, in addition to 21,502 laboratory confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health indicated that towns and villages will not be able to move the alert level by “separating” them from the nearby Corona virus hotspots.
Matt Hancock said in a letter to Conservative MPs that “tight cuts” of lower outreach areas often lead to “catching up” or “overshooting” in higher-level areas, according to The Daily Telegraph.
