Families could be spending Christmas together this year as the UK government continues to relax Covid-19 restrictions.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed there is one important caveat, the Manchester Evening News reports.
At a Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson outlined a fresh road map for the new few months.
Asked if families will be allowed to spend Christmas together in 2020, he expressed cautious optimism.
He said it depends on the nation's success in defeating the spread of virus during October and November, which could see a new wave of coronavirus cases alongside with the usual flu season when the NHS is under most pressure.
Mr Johnson announced a £3 billion injection of funding for the NHS to ensure it is able to cope with winter pressures. He also gave local authorities more powers over local lockdowns - such as the one in Leicester - to tackle outbreaks of the virus.
"The latest data shows prevalence and new infections to be stable and low."
When questioned over the family festive wish, Mr Johnson replied: “It’s very important that we hope for the best, that’s what I’m trying to set out today.
“A plan where we hope for the best but plan for the worst, and clearly the steps that we’re taking for September, October, November, they’re all conditional on our continued ability to defeat the virus.”
He also announced the potential removal of social distancing in November if the virus is under control. Which offers an optimistic outlook for a normal Christmas.
