Hertfordshire County Council leader David Williams is advising caution when planning family gatherings over the festive period.

National Covid restrictions are being lifted for five days between December 23 and 27 – allowing up to three households to meet-up for festive celebrations.

That will be welcome for those who have struggled with the isolation of lockdown, away from loved ones and family.

But it has also prompted fears that the relaxation in restrictions could lead to a further wave of infection.

Councillor Williams highlighted the risk of people passing on the virus to family and friends – even without them knowing they had it.

He suggested people may chose to 'tone down' their Christmas celebrations, regardless of the relaxed restrictions.

"I am sure that a number of people will make a call that they don't want to put family and friends at risk and they will have a toned down Christmas – and they will make a conscious decision not to meet up as they normally do," he said.

"I do expect many people will take a more considered approach."

But highlighting the risk of asymptomatic transmission and concerns that festive gatherings would lead to a rise in infections, he urged caution.

"Even if there are gatherings it does include a risk of transmission," he said.

"One of the real challenges in those circumstances are those people who are asymptomatic and not aware they are in a position to transmit the disease to friends and relatives.

"I would urge caution – but my expectation is that in terms of providing these freedoms over the period, it will provoke an uptake in infection rates."