COVID-19: '5 days of Xmas freedom' may be allowed with 25-day lockdown in January

Four households may be able to meet at Christmas under plans being considered by the government. However, this may be followed by a 25-day lockdown in January in England as officials warn any temporary lapse in COVID rules must be made up by a severe shutdown.

With the country due to exit a nationwide lockdown on December 2nd, ministers are considering new regional restrictions over the winter months. A tougher tier system may be reintroduced, which would restrict indoor gatherings in many parts of the country. Therefore the government may allow for a short break in restrictions so that families can meet over the holiday period, to give the public a rest bite after a tough year of on and off restrictions which has seen massive curbs to freedoms to tackle the pandemic.

Families could form social bubbles with up to four households over a five day period this Christmas, starting on 24th December. However, Public Health England has said any day of freedom should be made up by 5 days of tighter restrictions, which would mean a 25-day lockdown in the New Year.

Some health experts have warned relaxing rules may expose the elderly, particularly grandparents, to the virus. Others have warned of the impact of lockdowns on the elderly, saying without a break, isolation and loneliness may also cause severe impacts.


From Brexit breaking news to HD movie trailers, The Sun newspaper brings you the latest news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world.

Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know

Read The Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk
Like The Sun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesun/
Follow The Sun on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSun
Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/discover/The_Sun/1633225139