Rules are changing as the situation progresses - whilst correct at the time of writting, this may not always be the case. For the latest guidance visit https://www.gov.uk/find-coronavirus-local-restrictions - enter your postcode and recieve accurate updates and rules for where you live.

The government had earlier planned quite a few relaxations pertaining to the Covid-19 rules for Christmas. A month ago, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced that families would be able to form Christmas household bubbles. 

Looking at the current scenario, however, the Prime Minister has announced tighter COVID-19 restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of the new virus strain that has hit some parts of the country.

Considering that this new strain can spread at an alarming rate, drastic changes are being implemented in order to contain the spread of the virus. Fareham falls under Tier Two,  here are the Christmas Rules for the different Tiers.

Tier 4 Rules

• If you live in a tier four area, here are the rules that you must follow in your tier over the Christmas period. 
• If meeting indoors, there are restrictions on meeting people other than your family members.
• If meeting outdoors, you have permission to meet only one member from other households.
• Tier four residents are not permitted to travel outside the area. 

Tier 2 & 3 Rules
Rules for forming a Christmas bubble:

• Christmas bubbles can be formed in all the areas except Tier 4 areas. 
• The bubble has to be as small as possible. There can be a maximum of 2 households per Christmas bubble.
• A Christmas bubble cannot be formed with Tier 4 area residents.
• A Christmas bubble can meet only in private homes or gardens, places of worship or outdoor public areas. Public areas include parks, countryside, beaches, playgrounds, public parks, etc.
• Only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
• Travel from high prevalence to low prevalence area should be strictly avoided. Stay as local as possible.
• If you are above the age of 70 or are clinically vulnerable, it might be safer to not be a part of a Christmas bubble.

While meeting your Christmas bubble:

• Meet outdoors as much as possible
• Indoor space must be well ventilated

Observe Social distancing amongst members of different households 

• Wash your hands at frequent intervals
• In the case of symptoms or if you test positive follow rules of self-isolation
• Avoid visiting other households in case a member of your family is self-isolating

If you are a part of a support bubble with someone who lives in Tier 4 you can visit them on Christmas Day but you cannot be a part of any other Christmas bubble

These are the general rules that you should follow in order to help contain the virus. Small efforts from each and every one of you will go a long way in ensuring that it does not spread and get us back to the initial state of lockdown that we have already gone through. Let us again stand united against the face of the current situation and do our best like before to cross to the other side without any damage.

Lastly, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas however you manage to spend it.