Three households CAN meet over Christmas
The rules will be relaxed for a few days over the festive period
It's official - you'll be able to see your family this Christmas. It's been announced you will be allowed to form 'Christmas bubbles' with up to two other households.
The UK Government and the administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have agreed to relax Covid restrictions so people can reunite with friends and family.
The temporary easing of measures will allow three households to mix in a bubble from December 23 to 27.
What have the governments said about Christmas?
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.”
Where can you meet over Christmas?
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 the period.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland agree
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“We know that for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period. The “bubble” approach aims to reduce this impact.
“But we must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay. Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread. Our priority is to suppress transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the risk to the vulnerable and those who have spent so long shielding - and that involves abiding by the rules.
“Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford told the PA news agency:
“We have to recognise that Christmas is a very important time for people, and that you have to have a set of rules that people will be prepared to operate within.
“While I have hesitation, because of the state of the virus in Wales and across the United Kingdom, it is better that we have a common set of arrangements that give people a framework that they can manage within and act responsibly within as well.”