Christmas Arrangements Update: Wiltshire
You will have no doubt heard the Government announcement on Saturday (19 December) confirming that the Christmas bubbles rules have now changed.
The Government confirmed that areas in Tiers 1 to 3 (Wiltshire is in Tier 2) can now only form a bubble with two other households on Christmas Day only.
Areas in Tier 4 cannot mix with any other households, including on Christmas Day. You cannot see anyone from a Tier 4 area.
It's vital we follow the guidance and continue playing our part to keep the virus under control here in Wiltshire. The rules on Christmas bubbles will be put into law and must be followed:
keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
stay local where possible. If you are in Tier 3 or lower and choose to form a Christmas bubble, you should avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area and should consider carefully the risks of travelling at all.
only meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier you live in (unless coming from a lower to a higher tier) and do not meet socially with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble.
If you choose to form a Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes meeting outdoors where possible, ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible, making space between members of different households wherever you can, washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, and following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus: https://www.gov.uk/.../pub.../covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
You must not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is feeling unwell or self-isolating. You should get a free NHS test if you have symptoms or have been asked to by your local council or your hospital.
The full updated guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/.../making-a-christmas-bubble-with...