Three families will be able to 'bubble up' over Christmas in new relaxed restrictions announced today.
One household will be able to meet with up to two others to celebrate the festive season indoors from December 23-27.
It comes on the afternoon, a four-nation Cobra meeting agreed to relax lockdown measures for five days over the festive period.
However there are things you can and can't do - even with relaxed rules:
- The rules will be relaxed for up to five days from December 23-27.
People will be able to travel to visit their friends and family for the festive period.
Rules will apply inside the home, inside a place of worship and in outside settings
There will be no change to how hospitality operates in the various tiers over the period when social restrictions are eased - meaning no going to the pub with your extended bubbles.
Children whose parents are separated will be able to move between two separate bubbles, however.
Social distancing will not be necessary in the Christmas bubbles, though people will be advised to exercise restraint and judgment if they plan to mix with vulnerable friends or family.
People aged over 65 in care homes will not be able to join their families for Christmas under the new guidance.
Shared households in England – such as friends sharing a flat – would be able to split up to join another household for the five-day period.
But in families where three children live away from home, they would not all be able to return for Christmas.
However, university students returning from halls at the end of term would automatically rejoin their family household and therefore not be included as a separate household.
A joint statement issued by the four UK governments said: “As 2020 draws to a close, we recognise it has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.
“We have all had to make significant sacrifices in our everyday lives, and many religious and community groups have already had to change or forgo their customary celebrations to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
“This cannot be a ‘normal’ Christmas. But as we approach the festive period, we have been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other, even if it is for a short time, and recognising that it must be both limited and cautious.”
The statement added: “Even where it is within the rules, meeting with friends and family over Christmas will be a personal judgement for individuals to take, mindful of the risks to themselves and others, particularly those who are vulnerable.
“We need everyone to think carefully about what they do during this period, balancing some increased social contact with the need to keep the risk of increased transmission of the virus as low as possible.
“This is particularly important when considering those who are vulnerable, and before deciding to come together over the festive period we urge the consideration of alternative approaches such as the use of technology or meeting outside.”
