As Swindon is seeing a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, it is crucial we all understand and follow government guidance this Christmas.
If you are unsure about any of the guidance find the answers below or visit the government website:
What rules apply in Swindon around forming a Christmas bubble?
The rules on Christmas bubbles are in law. You must follow the rules to minimise the spread of infection.
As long as Swindon remains in Tier 1,2 or 3 you are permitted to form a Christmas bubble and if you choose to do so:
- keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
- do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
- stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
- only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
- only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
- stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area
- if you are meeting someone who is not in your Christmas or support bubble, you can only do so outside your home or garden and in accordance with the rules in your tier (either the tier you live in, or the tier you are meeting in – whichever is stricter)
When seeing your Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes:
- meeting outdoors where possible
- ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible
- making space between members of different households wherever you can
- washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
- following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.
What is the advice around travel over the festive period?
If you have to travel, book ahead to enable you and others to travel safely and plan your outward and return journeys carefully. Once you arrive, avoid unnecessary travel within the area.
If you travel to form a Christmas bubble, you cannot mix with your Christmas bubble before or after 25th December, except in exceptional circumstances. For example, in the event of unforeseen travel disruption, or if a member of your Christmas bubble develops symptoms of coronavirus and you are required to self-isolate. This includes anyone travelling to or from Northern Ireland.
Transport routes may be busier than normal. If you do need to travel:
- plan ahead, check for disruption before you leave, and avoid the busiest routes, as well as busy times
- avoid making unnecessary stops during your journey
- avoid sharing a car with people not in your household or Christmas bubble
- keep your distance from other people when you travel, where possible
- wash or sanitise your hands regularly
