WHAT NEW CHRISTMAS RULES MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Answers to some of the questions raised by draconian restrictions during festive period
WITH changes to the festive period rules, many people have found that their plans for Christmas are in tatters. The announcement of new restrictions by Nicola Sturgeon at the weekend also means that from Boxing Day onwards the whole of mainland Scotland will be subject to the strictest restrictions – as the country is placed in Level for a three-week period. The tightening of the rules will have wide-ranging implications for what people can and can’t do over the festive period. The Mail has explored the rules as they apply on Christmas Day and how they will change from Boxing Day onwards to help you make sense of it all.
Can I still meet my family and friends on Christmas Day?
Yes. But while previously up to eight people from three households were allowed to meet indoors over a five- day window, the relaxation of the rules now only applies to Christmas Day itself.
Like before, social distancing is advised where possible.
Children under 12 do not count towards the total number of people and do not have to socially distance.
Rules for meeting other households outdoors remain unchanged from before the festive period but Nicola Sturgeon has urged families to only meet when they ‘truly need to’.
Can I travel to a different part of Scotland?
Yes. However, the time limit means that all overnight stays are now banned, so any visit must take place within the space of one day.
Can I travel to other parts of the UK?
No. You should not travel to other households outside of Scotland, or receive people from households outside of Scotland at all over the festive period.
Police have the power to issue £60 fines to rule-breakers, although these are halved to £30 if paid within 28 days.
Repeat offenders can face penalties of up to £960.
Will I be able to go shopping during the Boxing Day sales?
Only if that shopping includes essential items.
From midnight on Boxing Day morning all non- essential shops will be closed in mainland Scotland when the majority of the country is placed under Level 4 – the toughest of the country’s tier restrictions.
Cafes will also be closed except for takeaways, drive-throughs and deliveries.
Rules will be in place preventing travel between different l ocal authority areas.
Those living in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will be placed under Level 3.
Non- essential shops and cafes will be allowed to open with social distancing measures in place. The lockdown will be reviewed after two weeks.
Are schools affected?
Schools will continue as normal for the final few days of this term until the start of the Christmas break.
But the Christmas holiday is now being extended until January 11 for the majority of pupils, although schools will still reopen as scheduled a week earlier for the most vulnerable and children of key workers.
However, teaching will be online for at least the first week from January 11.
Can anyone visit me at home on Boxing Day?
People from different households will no longer be allowed to meet in each other’s houses from Boxing Day onwards.
However, six adults from two separate households can meet outdoors in a private garden or in a public place such as a park.
Children under 12 do not count towards that total.
Exceptions to the ban include another household which is providing care and support to a ‘vulnerable person’.
The extended household rule applies in Level 4. This allows people who live alone – or who are a single adult with children under 18 – to be considered part of another household to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Where parents do not live in the same household as each other, children can move between their parents’ homes.
Can I go to church with my family?
A Christmas bubble can meet in a private home, a place of worship or public outdoor spaces on Christmas Day. This means that the people in your bubble can go to church together. Up to 50 people can attend indoor services in Scotland in Level 0-3 areas.
However, f r om Boxing Day onwards only up to 20 people can attend indoor services under Level 4 restrictions.
Also, given that Christmas bubbles only apply on Christmas Day you could only sit next to members of your own household at church.
Can I go on holiday abroad?
Foreign travel is not currently
illegal, but the First Minister has given ‘strong advice’ against all non-essential foreign travel.
The position on international t r avel is currently being reviewed and there will be an update next week.
Can I get my hair cut?
Not from Boxing Day onwards. Services which involve close contact cannot operate.
These include hairdressers, barbers, hair removal and massage services.
They also include dress-fitting, tattoo and piercing and indoor portrait photography.
Can I go to the gym?
The Christmas calories will have to stay on for the time being as gyms and all indoor sports facilities have to close in Level 4 areas.
Individual outdoor exercise such as running is permitted and outdoor gyms will be open.
But c ontact s ports ar e banned.
Can I drop off Christmas presents after Christmas Day?
Yes, but because all household visits are banned, gifts must be exchanged outside and using social distancing rules wherever possible.
Gifts must also be sanitised where appropriate and hands should be washed immediately before and afterwards to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
However, giving gifts in person should not take place across council boundaries due to the travel ban.
Also, government advice is to minimise the number of meetings you have with people from other households each day to stop any spread of the virus.