Mcb777 AffiliateChristmas lockdown bubble rules explained: From travel restrictions to seeing granny | The Sun - Mcb777 Cricket

MILLIONS of Brits were shocked to find Boris Johnson's plans to cancel their Christmas.

Strict stay-at-home rules were introduced in areas under Tier 4, but you can still meet relatives indoors on Christmas Day if you live in Tier 1, 2 and 3.

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Up to three households can form a 'Christmas bubble'Credit: Alamy

Here we answer questions on how to form your Christmas bubble.

Who can form a Christmas bubble?

The five-day window — proposed lifting of restrictions between December 23 and 27 - has been cancelled across the country.

Those in Tiers 1, 2, and 3 can only now see other families indoors on Christmas Day.

But Prof Whitty urged people to keep their visits as “local and as short as possible”.

Support bubbles remain in place for those in isolation and loneliness.

Overnight stays outside your home are banned in Tier 3 and 4.

What can you do in a Christmas bubble?

Bubbles will be allowed indoors, in public outdoor spaces and to go to church together.

Christmas bubbles are not allowed to meet up in hospitality settings - which includes pubs, restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues.

How far can I travel for the Christmas bubble?

In Tier 2, Brits will not be able to bubble up in the run-up to December 25.

A stay local message will be in place.

Christmas bubbles in Tier 3 areas can be formed but only on Christmas Day.

Brits under Tier 3 restrictions have been instructed to "stay local".

People throughout England are advised to "stay local" and avoid overseas travel, while those in Tier 4 will only be able to go abroad for essential business

What are the Christmas rules for Tier 4?

The introduction of Tier 4 rules does not allowed people to form Christmas bubbles.

If you live in Tier 4, you are not allowed to mix with other households and can only meet with one person outside.

There are only exemptions for support bubbles and for separated parents and their children.

You are only allowed to go out for exercise or travel, for education, emergency and childcare.

People in Tier 4 areas are banned from travelling, meaning no one can enter or leave, and international travel is restricted for essential work only.

Non-essential retail in Tier 4 will close including hairdressers, nail bars and indoor entertainment venues.

What can I do and not do at Christmas?

Can my gran and grandad join us for Christmas?

Not if you live in Tier 4.

You must stay at home and not socialise with other households.

All other Tiers are told to keep Christmas visits short and stay local

Can I hug them or should we be socially distant?

While you can hug granny because social distancing rules are scrapped in festive bubbles, you should show caution, particularly if they are old or sick.

Can my grandparent leave a care home to join us?

If granny or grandad is in a care home and over 65, they cannot leave to join your new bubble.

They can if they are under 65 and get a negative Covid test.

What happens if we burst the bubble and the step-mum arrives unexpectedly?

This is against the rules. When three households come together to form a Christmas bubble it is exclusive – you cannot leave it and no one else can join it.

But if step-mum arrives, do not expect the cops to turn up at your door. Ministers are urging Brits to voluntarily abide by the rules – they are not expecting police to enforce them.

Is there a maximum number of people allowed in my Christmas bubble?

No, it’s just based on a maximum of three households.

How should I travel to see my Christmas bubble?

You will be able to travel across all tiers and across all four home nations but the Government is urging people to plan and book journeys in advance, with major disruption and capacity problems expected on the railways.

Can I see people outside of my bubble?

Yes – but only if you stick to the rules in your tier.

For Brits living in Tier 2 and 3 – which is expected to be the vast majority of the country – this means you can only meet up with people outdoors.

In Tier 1 you can meet up with people if you stick to the rule of six.

Can I go to the pub with my Christmas bubble?

No - you can only meet up with them in private homes, at church or in a public space, such as a walk in the park.

You can go to the pub in tier 1 with up to six others inside. In tier 2 you can only go with your household inside, or up to six people outside.

In Tier 3 they will be closed.

What about New Year?

These bubbles do not apply to New Year, which will be governed by the regional tiers policy.

Can my household split up and form different bubbles?

Yes, a mum and dad could decide to spend Christmas separately by forming their own Christmas bubbles.

This also applies to a group of people in their 20s who share a flat but can all return to their family homes, for example. But this may only apply in England.