Christmas rules in tier 3: The rules and restrictions for the festive season
14 December 2020, 14:48 | Updated: 17 December 2020, 12:42
What are the Christmas rules for areas of the country under Tier 3? How does the Christmas bubble work? Latest details revealed.
The Christmas coronavirus rules were announced early in December when the majority of the country was placed under Tier 2 and 3 of the Covid alert system.
And now, following more areas of the country being placed in the highest alert level Tier 3, we take a look at what this means for the Christmas rules and bubble the government has allowed us to form for the festive season.
When will Covid lockdown tiers be changed and reviewed?
So what are the Christmas rules for those in Tier 3? Can you still form Christmas bubbles? And do the rules apply to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
What are the Christmas rules in tier 3 in England?
As with Tier 1 and 2, the Christmas rules in Tier 3 will remain the same.
Between Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27, up to three households can form a Christmas bubble where you’ll be allowed to socialise in each other’s homes, in places of worship and other outdoor spaces.
You’ll only be allowed to be in one Christmas bubble for the entire five days and therefore can not mix indoors with any other household other than you’re original bubble.
Existing support bubbles count as one household and children under 18 whose parents have separated are permitted to form two bubbles.
If you are self-isolating, you can not join a bubble and if someone from your Christmas bubble tests positive, everyone must isolate afterwards.
What are the Christmas bubble rules for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Wales and Scotland have altered their Christmas rules following a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases. Wales are now only permitting two households to meet and level four lockdown will start following the relaxed five-day period.
In Northern Ireland the Christmas bubble window is 22-28th December, two days longer, to allow for travel.
