Keeping safe this Christmas

Take the right precautions to keep you and your family safe [Patient]( Hi {NAME},   It has been a long year and all too many of us have missed out on birthday parties, family celebrations or just informal visits with family and friends. Christmas is almost here and it's hardly surprising many of us are looking forward to a brief opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones.   But it's important to remember that COVID-19 doesn't take time off for Christmas. So if you are in a tier which permits you to take advantage of a relaxation of rules, it's still important to take precautions to minimise the risk of transmission. That means regular hand washing, socially distancing when you can, maximising ventilation and wearing [face coverings]( in public settings where you can't socially distance.   While [rapid access COVID-19 swab tests]( don't guarantee you're infection-free, a negative test greatly reduces the risk that you could pass on the infection to a vulnerable loved one. These tests are not available on the NHS but if you want added peace of mind, you can [book a rapid-access COVID-19 swab test]( on Patient Access through your local pharmacist.   Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, Clinical Director at Patient [Should you get a COVID-19 swab test?](   [Should you get a COVID-19 swab test?]( Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE answers some of the most common queries surrounding the new swab tests. [Read more]( [Covid testing]( [How to have a safe Christmas]( [How to have a safe Christmas]( [The latest treatments for COVID-19]( [The latest treatments for COVID-19]( [How to choose the right face mask]( [How to choose the right face mask]( [What to look for in a homemade mask]( [What to look for in a homemade mask]( [COVID-19: Do you need to disinfect your home?](   [COVID-19: Do you need to disinfect your home?]( Two experts reveal how often you should be cleaning your home and the best products to use to protect your family. [Read more]( Follow our latest health tips and discussions [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( [Twitter]( [Pinterest](   © Patient Platform Limited. Registered in England and Wales.   Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6BA. Patient is a UK registered trade mark.    You have received this email because you are subscribed to the Patient newsletter. However, if you'd rather not receive them, you can [unsubscribe here](, or you can review your [preferences]( and adjust your settings.   [Terms & Conditions]( [Privacy Policy]( [Feedback]( [Login](