Coronavirus restrictions will not be lifted for New Year’s Eve, it has been revealed as official Government advice was issued for over the festive period.
Millions of people living in England will not be allowed to celebrate with their friends after being told they must stick to the rules for their tier to see in 2021.
And it seems Christmas bubbles will be permanently burst from December 28 onwards with no exceptions allowed for the New Year celebrations.
The guidance, issued over the weekend, says: ‘You must follow the rules on where you can go and who you can meet, including on New Year’s Eve.
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‘Your Christmas bubble will no longer apply. Check the rules for your tier.’
With most of the country still predicted to be under strict tier two and three rules – which means no mixing of households inside – this means people won’t be allowed to go to the pub with their friends.
People living under tier two restrictions will only be allowed to go to the pub with their household, and in tier three pubs will be closed completely.
Around 23 million people will be plunged into tier three restrictions from Wednesday, which means they can only order takeaway drinks from the pub.
Groups of up to six people can meet in pub gardens under tier two rules, but this becomes less appealing as temperatures drop further and further.
And only three areas – Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly – are under tier one restrictions which means they can mix with up to six people indoors.
But a Government review of the rules will be carried out on December 16, so many are hopeful their areas may drop down a tier in time for Christmas.
Three households may form a Christmas bubble from December 23 to 27, which means they can gather together in private homes, in outdoor public places and in places of worship without having to social distance.
People can only be in one Christmas bubble and they are not allowed to change their bubble. If a person is self-isolating they must not join a bubble.
Travelling across UK nations and tiers to form the bubble is allowed, but people are recommended to reduce contact with others as much as possible in the two weeks leading up to Christmas to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Meeting with a Christmas bubble in any other indoor setting, such as a pub, hotel, shop, theatre, or restaurant, is not allowed.
Outside the Christmas bubble, people should follow local restrictions in the tier in which they are staying.
Those who do not form a Christmas bubble should continue to follow the guidance for the tier in their area.
They may still meet with their support bubble or childcare bubble.
It comes as New Year’s Eve celebrations have been cancelled across the country this year to help prevent the spread of coronavirus – including the annual fireworks event in London.
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