A new 'strengthened' three-tier system has been announced by the Prime Minister.
It will see the country once again split into either Tier 1, 2, or 3, depending on the severity of coronavirus in that area.
This time around, the lockdown rules are much tougher than before, with all hospitality venues closed in Tier 3, among other measures.
The new system will come into effect at 0.01 on December 2 as the national four-week lockdown comes to an end.
Ministers and government advisers have warned that more regions are expected to initially start out in Tier 3 than before, while Tier 1 and 2 are also much harsher.
So what does this mean for meeting family and friends?
Here are the rules explained for each of the new tiers:
Tier 1 - medium alert
When it comes to meeting family and friends in Tier 1, it's fairly relaxed.
The government guidance says that you must not socialise in groups larger than six people, indoors or outdoors, other than where a legal exemption applies.
Hospitality settings are also able to remain open, as long as they take last orders at 10pm.
This means you can meet whoever you'd like in any setting, as long as you don't break the 'rule of six'.
The government also states that the two-metre social distancing rule should be applied when seeing people not in your household or support bubble.
It also warns against travelling into a Tier 3 area, therefore if your friends or family live in a Tier 3 area, the government suggest you avoid seeing them.
Tier 2 - high alert
Rules around meeting those not in your household or support bubble become a little stricter in Tier 2.
The government guidance states that you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
This means that while some hospitality venues such as restaurants can remain open, you won't be able to meet those you don't live with for a meal.
You could however meet them in an outdoor area such as a pub garden.
You can also socialise in a group of up to six people in your garden or in outdoor public spaces such as parks.
Again, the 'rule of six' mustn't be broken, neither should social distancing.
The government also states to avoid travel into a Tier 3 area, therefore you shouldn't meet family and friends who live in Tier 3.
Tier 3 - very high alert
In Tier 3, it's a lot more difficult to see loved-ones.
The government guidance states that you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.
This includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues.
You must not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility.
In Tier 3, all hospitality venues will remain closed, so it's not even possible to go out with your household. They will be allowed to sell takeaway.
Indoor entertainment and tourist venues must also be closed such as bowling alleys, cinemas and theatres.
When it comes to travel to see family and friends, you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.
The guidance also states to avoid travell to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.
