Hi readers it’s Emily and William here this week talking about the new rules to slow down this Omicrom variant.

The new rules are starting today and so by the time you read this most of them will be in place.

The government are doing this because the new variant spreads much more quickly which is sensible. We hope everyone follows the rules and it works as we don’t want Covid.

We are continuing to do all we can to keep ourselves safe like washing our hands, sanitising in shops, wearing face masks, keeping our distance from other people and testing regularly.

We think it’s good people work from home as it can be hard to socially distance in offices. We both still have to go out as I, Emily work in a care home and I, William work in outdoor settings like the Borough Gardens and a garden centre.

As for parties, our feeling is that if you think you can be safe and comfortable it should be ok, but we don’t understand why you can’t work in offices with your colleagues but you can still have a Christmas party together?

As I, Emily, work in person with others, perhaps having a party will be ok as I see them every day. But with Friendship Club, even though groups are small now, because I don’t see everyone regularly I’m not quite as comfortable meeting, especially as we don’t know if others are vaccinated and I’d want us to keep each other safe. We’d like people to always wear masks, until they are eating, drinking or exempt.

It’s a lot to think about especially as the data and advice changes so quickly. We think as long as everyone is sensible and follows the guidance, we hopefully can avoid tighter restrictions.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset. Find out more at: https://www.peoplefirstdorset.org.uk/friendshipclub