After spending last year's holidays under lockdown, Britons up and down the country were looking forward to spending Christmas Day in the company of their loved ones. But tens of thousands of people are still testing positive for COVID-19 every single day and scientists are analysing the recently named Omicron variant to see whether it will drive the figures upwards. On Wednesday, the Government announced tougher restrictions on public life aimed at curbing the new variant's spread.

       These include mandates on wearing face masks in most indoor venues, other than hospitality, and a call to work from home where possible.

       The announcement was rolled out as part of the Government's Plan B for winter, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said will protect the public.

       The most recent data presented by ministers indicate the virus is spreading rapidly, threatening an increase in hospitalisations and added pressures on the NHS.

       Many families are now wondering whether they can safely go forward with their plans for Christmas, and what could be done to limit the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

       In an article for The Conversation, Professor Thea van de Mortel at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, shared eight tips that can help Britons decide what to do this Christmas.

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       She wrote: "If you're hosting a gathering and want to avoid a super-spreader event, it's worth having a discussion with your guests to set some rules to minimise the risk of Covid transmission.

       "For example, should you only ask vaccinated family members and friends to attend?

       Or require a negative rapid antigen test before arrival?"

       The simplest way to avoid spreading the coronavirus is to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands, particularly before handling food.

       You can do so by having a supply of hand sanitiser and soap on hand for your guests to use.

       You should also avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose to lower the risk of infection.

       Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is spread on tiny droplets of fluid, coughing, talking or sneezing can spread the infection.

       You should, therefore, politely remind your guests not to cough or sneeze without covering their mouth with a tissue or in their elbow, instead of their hands.

       This should be followed by washing their hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

       Professor Van de Mortel wrote: "Make clear you expect guests shouldn’t attend if experiencing signs and symptoms of Covid.

       "These include sore throat, cough, fever, and loss of sense of taste and smell."

       It might be worth keeping note of who attended your party in case you need to share their details for contact tracing purposes.

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       If the weather permits it, you can lower the risk of transmission by choosing to host your event outdoors.

       According to Professor Van de Mortel, there is evidence to suggest transmission is almost 19 times more likely indoors than outdoors.

       If your Christmas party is taking place indoors, keep your rooms well ventilated with open doors and open windows.

       If possible, consider fitting air filters with HEPA filtration that can filter out harmful particles from the air.

       However, Professor Van de Mortel said you should read up on the various options available to find "the most effective devices".

       If anyone in your household is at an increased risk from Covid due to, for example, congenital health reasons, you might want to separate them from the rest of the partygoers.

       Professor Van de Mortel said: "For example, relatives and friends that are at high risk (the elderly and anyone on chemotherapy or treatments that suppress the immune system) might sit at a greater distance from everyone else who may be getting out and about more and might have an infection that isn’t yet symptomatic.

       "You might also choose to separate visitors by time.

       "For example, you may have your elderly grandparents visit for lunch, and then have other friends and family for dinner."

       According to Professor Van de Mortel, vaccinated people are less likely to spread to Covid.

       Vaccines also protect people from more severe cases of Covid and have reduced the number of hospitalisations.

       This is because the vaccines bolster the immune system by giving the body instructions on how to produce antibodies.

       Professor Van de Mortel said: "You might also want to consider rapid antigen self-testing to reduce the risk for everyone.

       "You could ask all guests to take one, and receive a negative result, before coming to your event.

       "These don’t guarantee there will be no infections, but do provide an added layer of protection.

       "Have a happy (and infection-free) festive season!"