Up to Three Households allowed to mix over Christmas period in the UK
Joy has spread around the country as the leaders of the four UK nations have agreed upon three households being able to mix during a five day break period from 23rd December through until 27th December.
The news has been met with mixed feelings from the general public as some are struggling to see as to why everyone should be given additional freedom over the Christmas period when other religious holidays have been missed and at a time when the UK should be united in trying to stamp out this virus for good. Christmas however has been seen by so many as the one time of the year when families will ensure they make time to reunite and this news for some will be overwhelming as the thought of a Christmas alone previously was looming.
Existing rules for hospitality venues however will remain and previous guidance set out must remain in place. Frustration sets in again unfortunately for the hospitality community as some establishments will be forced to accommodate a fraction of guests compared to their previous festive periods. The leaders have urged the UK public however to think carefully about what they do and ensure they abide by the general covid safety guidelines. It was also stated how 2020 will not be a ‘normal Christmas’ but families will again be able to reunite in a limited manner which for some will be a huge morale boost leading into the New Year.
Travel restrictions will also be relaxed as people will naturally be travelling across the UK to visit family during the festive period and people travelling to Northern Ireland have been given an ever so slightly longer break period to allow for travel time. The break period is allowing households to mix but a two-household bubble must be formed and not changed or extended in any form. This news is fantastic for the masses but may lead to difficult choices as there will inevitably be people who are left out of social bubbles which may lead to further mental health issues or disputes. An article focused on forming a Christmas bubble has been outlined on the GOV website which encourages people to be mindful of people at higher risk or those who are deemed vulnerable. Other forms of communication such as the use of technology have been encouraged as a way to minimise time spent physically in person with other friends and family.