Three families will be able to meet up for five days across Christmas in the UK under an agreement to relax lockdown rules.
All four UK nations agreed on a common set of rules at a government meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
The rules mean that up to three households will be able to form a “Christmas bubble” from 23rd to the 27th of December, a total of five days.
Individuals will be able to travel between tiers and across the whole of the United Kingdom without restrictions that the duration of those five days.
In Northern Ireland two extra days are added on to allow travel backwards and forwards to other parts of the UK.
Under the agreed rules, when a Christmas bubble is formed that must not be changed at any point.
The bubbles will be able to gather in private homes, go to outdoor places, or attend places of worship together.
However, the extended bubble cannot meet in hospitality settings, restaurants, bars or other indoor entertainment venues.
People can continue to meet friends and family outwith the Christmas bubble outside homes, but only according to the rules in the tier where people are staying.
Support bubbles, including people outside normal households, will count as one household.
