THE FEAR of the reintroduction of tighter Covid restrictions will hit the elderly the worst this Christmas a Welsh Charity warns.

Christmas plans could be ruined for the second year in a row due to concerns over the new Covid-19 variant – Omicron, and the reintroduction of tougher guidelines.

The Welsh Government are now reviewing the pandemic rules weekly instead of every three weeks, with an update planned for Friday, December 17.

They have urged people to take lateral flow tests before attending Christmas parties, visiting others, or going shopping. 

First Minister Mark Drakeford has said he does not expect to implement a full lockdown like last year, however he has not ruled out the possibility of tougher restrictions being put in place before the big day.

Last year, only two households were allowed to meet on Christmas Day after the plans to relax Covid rules over the Christmas period were cancelled with only a few hours notice.

While there is no official guidance telling people to cancel party plans, health officials at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have asked people not to attend parties, after huge demand at A&E departments.

The elderly will be amongst those affected the most by tougher restrictions, a Welsh charity has said.

An estimated 87,000 older people will be spending their Christmas alone this year, according to research undertaken by Age Cymru.

With Christmas being a festive and jolly time, it is unfortunate that thousands of people are not looking forward to Christmas due to feeling lonely. 

29% of people who took part in the research stated that they had lost a loved one over the last 18 months. 

Half of the respondents agreed that the best present they could get this year would be a call from a loved one, with more than a third agreeing that somebody calling for a chat or popping round for a visit would make their Christmas brighter.

When publishing their findings, Age Cymru commented: “Of course, we’re all approaching this Christmas with a sense of uncertainty about how the Omicron variant will affect our plans and activities which will lead to many of us becoming extra cautious.

“However, we have to ensure that our more cautious approach does not cause older people to become even more isolated and lonely.  We can still phone our older relatives, friends, and neighbours for a chat, and post Christmas cards through the letter box.”

Age Cymru have set up a “Friendship Service” which pairs a lonely older person with a volunteer for a weekly phone call. 

Speaking to one of the volunteers, Margaret Davies, from Cardiff said: “I’m not looking forward to Christmas, I want it to come and go quickly. I have been invited to lunch by my daughter, but I am worried about going because of the latest variant of Covid 19. I cannot wait for January to come, where some normality will hopefully return. Sorry if I sound like a humbug, but that is how I feel.”

Barbara Williams, from Swansea, said: “I will spend Christmas day with my partner James and our little dog, as I don’t have many family left and one of Jim’s sons passed away this year so we won’t be seeing much of the family.”

The issue of loneliness has been discussed for many years, especially during the holiday periods. However the pandemic has intensified the need to ensure those without family are not isolated even further.

Throughout Wales, communities have support groups, events and schemes in place to offer those who feel isolated involved in the community, especially at Christmas.

Since 2012, Councillor Guy Woodham of Milford Haven, has hosted an annual Christmas Day lunch, ‘Christmas Together’. This gives the opportunity for roughly 100 people who would otherwise be alone for Christmas to get together and have dinner and spend time with others.

Last year he was forced to cancel the event for the first time, due to the pandemic. This year, the event will go ahead. However, the number of attendees has been limited to 30. 

There are also special requirements for those hoping to attend. Everyone must be double-vaccinated, wear masks when not seated, and they must social distance where possible.

Cllr Guy Woodham said: “We are delighted that having undertaken a detailed Covid-19 risk assessment we have identified measures that we can put in place to hold Christmas Together this year in as safe an environment as possible for all those who attend. 

While the event will inevitably be different to previous years, we still hope to bring some festive cheer and companionship to those who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day, for some, the loneliest day of the year – something many more have experienced as a result of the on-going Covid pandemic.”

He added that he had been convinced to go ahead with the event by those who hoped to attend. 

“They would actually get in touch or, if I was out and about, would speak to me and say ‘please go ahead with it’ and tell me their individual stories – that was the real driver.

“It was realising from having those personal conversations that for some people, it was really important to try to do it.”

He said some who had attended in previous years had decided “despite being lonely they actually would feel safer just staying at home for Christmas”.

He is hoping new restrictions will not be introduced that force him to cancel: “It would be devastating if there was an announcement that we couldn’t gather on Christmas Day, but we would have to respect that.

“It would be devastating for me, for those involved, and especially those people who made it clear that they don’t want to be alone on Christmas Day for very valid personal reasons.

“It’s not going to be the same as it has been previously, but hopefully what we do provide will give people some enjoyment on the day, rather than fear and unhappiness of being lonely.”

Now in its ninth year, Christmas Together continues to be fully supported by volunteers and donations. It is a great example of local people, organisations and businesses working together for the benefit of the community.

It will be held at Pill Social Centre, Milford Haven, the day provides a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, along with a three-course festive lunch and Christmas entertainment. 

The event is provided free of charge for all attendees which includes free transport for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

If you would like additional information about Christmas Together, including requesting an application form to attend as a guest or volunteer please contact, Cllr Guy Woodham, by emailing [email protected] telephoning 07411 287 533 (please leave a voicemail message) or writing to him at 4, Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, SA73 2NZ