The government is encouraging people to take lateral flow tests before Christmas parties.

It has said this will help to ’enable events to go ahead safely’ and to ’help minimise disruption to hospitality businesses’ this festive period.

This comes as Minister for Enterprise Alex Allinson said events and parties should ’go ahead as planned’.

He said: ’The island’s residents and businesses have worked so hard over the past 18 months to support each other and overcome the challenges of Covid-19.

’We very much want everyone to enjoy the Christmas season this year, to be able to spend time with their loved ones, and for events and parties to go ahead as planned.

’We will need to monitor the situation carefully over the coming days and weeks, but if we all take responsible personal steps now, hopefully we will all have the enjoyable festive season we want.

’Our message is not about staying at home or missing out on celebrations - it is about doing so safely and in an informed way.’

In a statement, the government added: ’As we approach the Christmas period, it is expected that social activity will increase, and household mixing will become the norm at Christmas parties and social gatherings both in and out of the home.’

Residents are reminded to take the following steps to stay safe:

l Take an LFD test twice a week to regularly monitor your Covid status

l Take an LFD test before you attend social events and gatherings, where the chance of transmission could be higher (this includes when visiting friends or family who may be vulnerable)

l Take up the Covid and flu vaccinations and booster when you are offered them - this may be earlier than previously anticipated and provides the greatest defence we have against Covid-19

l Wear a face covering when you’re in indoor public spaces

l Continue to ventilate homes and workplaces well - socialise outdoors or in ventilated spaces when you can

l Always stay at home if you are unwell or if you have Covid symptoms - isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

Government guidance came into force earlier this week that recommended anyone attending an event or busy venue should take a lateral flow test before leaving home. If positive, they must isolate and book a PCR test.

Face masks are not specifically required in hospitality settings currently and are a matter of personal choice.

Event organisers and hosts are also encouraged to promote the use of lateral flow tests to their audiences and attendees.

Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper added: ’Lateral flow tests provide a convenient and quick method of self-testing, due to the fact they can be taken in the comfort of your own home. We are grateful to businesses for the way in which they have adapted to this week’s increased guidance and we hope that these further steps will help to provide them with greater opportunity to stay open this Christmas.’