Three households will be able to mix this Christmas for a five day period, after the leaders of the UK’s four nations agreed a deal announced today.
The relaxation of the restrictions will apply between December 23rd and 27th, allowing relatives to celebrate Christmas together at home.
The ‘Christmas Bubble’ will need to be exclusive for the duration of the five days meaning you are not able to mix between household groups.
People aged over 65 in care homes will not be able to join their families for Christmas under the new guidance.
The announcement from the government says ‘Today we have agreed that:
- Travel restrictions across the four administrations and between tiers will be lifted to provide a window for households to come together between the 23rd and 27th of December.
- Up to three households can form an exclusive ‘bubble’ to meet at home during this period. When a bubble is formed it is fixed, and must not be changed or extended further at any point.
- Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout this period.
‘It is important that everyone respects and abides by the rules of each nation wherever they choose to spend the festive period.
‘Where there are any variations in our approach, these will be communicated by each administration accordingly.’
Further guidance will be provided in due course.
