Western Morning News

Christmas ‘bubbles’ aimed at reuniting families

- DAVID HUGHES

PEOPLE will be able to join “Christmas bubbles” to allow families to reunite over the festive period.

The UK Government and devolved administra­tions have agreed the approach despite concerns about the spread of coronaviru­s. The temporary easing of measures will allow three households to mix in a bubble from December 23 to 27.

A joint statement issued by the four UK government­s said: “As 2020 draws to a close, we recognise it has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.

“We have all had to make significan­t sacrifices in our every-day lives, and many religious and community groups have already had to change or forgo their customary celebratio­ns to slow the spread of coronaviru­s and save lives.

“This cannot be a ‘normal’ Christmas but, as we approach the festive period, we have been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other, even if it is for a short time, and recognisin­g that it must be both limited and cautious.”

Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictiv­e rules on hospitalit­y and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout the period.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We have to recognise that Christmas is a very important time for people, and that you have to have a set of rules that people will be prepared to operate within.

“While I have hesitation, because of the state of the virus in Wales and across the United Kingdom, it is better that we have a common set of arrangemen­ts that give people a framework that they can manage within and act responsibl­y within as well.”

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We know that, for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period. The ‘bubble’ approach aims to reduce this impact.”

She warned there would be no further easing of measures for Hogmanay and “even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread”. She added: “Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to.

“If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”

The plan was agreed following a meeting chaired by Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, bringing together the Westminste­r Government and the devolved administra­tions.

Mr Gove said the deal would “offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year”.

He said: “In coming to this agreement, we have listened to scientific and clinical advice on how best to minimise the risk and reach a balanced and workable set of rules that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year.”

 ?? Dan Kitwood ?? Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the agreement provided a balanced and workable set of rules ‘that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year’
Dan Kitwood Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the agreement provided a balanced and workable set of rules ‘that we hope will allow people to spend time together at this important time of year’

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