GMB doc claims ‘no scientific basis’ to warnings about hugging family in home

Good Morning Britain 's resident doctor Amir Khan confessed there is "no scientific basis" around the government's warning against hugging family members over the five-day Christmas break.

Dr Khan was questioned by hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard over the latest Covid-19 rules and plans in the UK which include the new tier restrictions which have divided the nation and the five-day festive break for families to get together.

It comes after on Thursday, the government announced that 99 per cent of people will be in either Tier 2 or 3 where all indoor gatherings are banned unless you live with those in the home.

They will come into place from December 2 next week after the UK's month of lockdown ends.

This comes after it was revealed that three households would be able to meet for Christmas in a five-day relaxing of Covid, which is believed to be between December 23 and December 27.

And GMB turned into a debate today following last night's press conference which saw professor Chris Whitty warned against "hug or kiss relatives" during the family Christmas relaxation period.

Ben was quick to point out that being so close to family members in small homes for hours on end will surely pass the virus on as distancing is harder in small homes.

He said: "If you spend all day with your family and you've been on top of them, you've had lunch opening presents, you've probably watched a bit of TV, sitting on the TV, I don't get why you can't hug someone.

"Surely the chances of transferring anything, virus-wise, has already happened because you've been together for five hours.

"Why would a hug be such a big issue?"

Dr Amir replied: "You're absolutely right. What's important to know is that opening up for Christmas for five days in households is not necessarily a scientific decision, it's more of a political decision.

"And so trying to balance it out with the science isn't going to work. You're right – people in households are going to be breathing the same air as other people within that area.

"So it's a tricky balance – there is no a scientific basis to it. It's more about human behaviour and social decision making."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV

Source: Read Full Article