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Christmas bubbles – the five days of Christmas

Date:3 DEC 2020

On 24 November the UK Government published Guidance entitled ‘Making a Christmas bubble with friends and family’. This Guidance (agreed between all four countries of the UK) covers the period 23 to 27 December 2020 inclusive save for those travelling to and from Northern Ireland who may travel on 22 and 28 December.  At the risk of stating the obvious it is important to note that these rules do not apply to either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. This Guidance is described on the Government website as “rules”. It states further that “rules on forming and using a Christmas bubble will be the law”. 

The basic position

Broadly speaking the Guidance (which does not replace the existing Tier systems but it appears merely superimposes itself for the relevant period) says as follows:-

  • A family or group of friends (“household”) may mix with up to two other households to form an exclusive Christmas bubble of three households. This Christmas bubble can meet within:
    • A private home (including rented accommodation) or garden;
    • A place of worship; or
    • Outside in a public space.
  • A Christmas bubble is exclusive: You may only...

Read the full article here.