Across the UK, this year’s Christmas looks set to be a lot different to the one we lived through in 2020.
On December 19 last year, the festive period was effectively cancelled at six days’ notice as new and more strict restrictions were brought in which closed down pubs, shops and restaurants and limited the number of people we could see over the holidays.
As things stand, that does not look likely to be the case in 2021. However, as last year proved, Covid-19 is an unpredictable virus which can lead governments to take drastic action at short notice. But, for now, there are certain rules and guidance points in place in Wales and the rest of the UK which mean we can still plan ahead for Christmas, but with certain caveats on what we can, can’t and shouldn't do.
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Because health is a devolved matter, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are responsible for their own policies and advice in relation to Covid-19, while the UK Government sets out the legislation and the guidance in England. As a result, there are some key differences between the four nations on a number of different issues, including if you need to wear a mask, when you need a Covid pass, and the advice on whether you should you go along to that office Christmas party?
Below is an outline of the main differences between Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Masks
In Wales, masks are mandatory on trains and other public transport and in all indoor public settings apart from pubs and restaurants. However, from Saturday (December 11) the Welsh Government is “strongly advising” that people wear masks in pubs and restaurants when not eating or drinking.
In England, face coverings must be worn in most indoor public settings apart from pubs and restaurants. That means in shops, banks, taxis, hairdressers, and on public transport.
In Scotland, face masks are mandatory on public transport and in indoor public settings and hospitality, with exceptions including for those eating, drinking or exercising, or when seated at a table.
The rules on masks in Northern Ireland are almost identical to those in Scotland, with the addition that they are mandatory in places of worship.
Covid passes
In Wales, proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test taken within the last 48 hours is required for nightclubs, unseated indoor events with over 500 people, outdoor unseated events with more than 4,000 people, and any event with more than 10,000 people.
In England, the same rules will apply as in Wales but only from December 15.
The same conditions are already in place in Scotland, whereas in Northern Ireland, from December 13, the ‘Covid certification scheme’ requires proof of vaccination status, a negative lateral flow in the last 48 hours or a positive PCR test from the previous 30–180 days to enter licensed hospitality venues, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, indoor events of more than 500 people, and outdoor events that can fit 4,000 or more.
Do you need to work from home?
The Welsh Government has already said that people should still work from home wherever possible. The UK Government is advising the same from Monday (December 13).
The Scottish Government has urged businesses to allow staff to work from home wherever possible until the middle of January, while in Northern Ireland people are also asked to work from home wherever possible, and that employees should continue to observe social distancing rules.
Social distancing in general
In Wales, the government’s guidance is that people should remain two metres apart from each other. By law, employers must take all reasonable measures to ensure a two metre distance.
In Northern Ireland, people should remain one metre apart in retail and shopping centres, indoor hospitality settings, indoor visitor attractions and on public transport, where possible.
There are no social distancing rules in place in general settings in England and Scotland.
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Self-isolation rules
In Wales, fully vaccinated adults and those under 18 are not required to isolate unless told to do so by Test, Trace and Protect. They will be offered a PCR test. Not fully vaccinated contacts must self-isolate for 10 days.
In England, close contacts of Omicron variant cases must self-isolate for 10 days. Fully vaccinated adults and those aged below 18 years and six months are not required to isolate but are advised to have a PCR test as soon as possible, and not fully vaccinated contacts must self-isolate for 10 days.
In Scotland, fully vaccinated adults and those below 18 years and four months must isolate and get a PCR test as soon as possible (children under five are advised but not required to get a test). They can end their isolation if the test is negative and they remain asymptomatic. Not fully vaccinated adults must isolate for 10 days.
In Northern Ireland, fully vaccinated adults and children under five do not need to isolate. Adults should take a test on day two and day eight following contact. Children aged five to 17 should self-isolate and take a PCR test. If it is negative, they can end self-isolation. Not fully vaccinated adults must isolate for 10 days.
Christmas parties
People in Scotland have been urged to cancel Christmas parties due to rising numbers of the Omicron variant.
As yet, no such advice has been made in Wales, England or Northern Ireland, but people are being guided to take a lateral flow test before attending, and to stay away if they exhibit any Covid symptoms.
Testing
The Welsh Government has “strongly advised” that people take a lateral flow test before going out for Christmas shopping, to a party, visiting friends or family, before going to any crowded or busy place, or before travelling.
In England, the UK Government is introducing daily contact tests for contacts of confirmed positive cases instead of the ten-day self-isolation period. They also said that people should take a test before entering a high-risk setting involving people you wouldn’t normally come into contact with, or when visiting a vulnerable person.
From this week in Scotland, a negative test can be used as a ‘Covid pass’ as an alternative to proof of vaccination. In addition, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said this week: “We are asking for everyone to significantly step up and increase compliance with public health measures. This includes using LFD testing more regularly.”
In Northern Ireland, the government has also urged everyone to regularly use lateral flow tests before mixing with other people in a bid to stop rising transmission of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
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