Christmas Tier 4 lockdown exemptions: All the loopholes that mean you CAN see your family
TIER 4 restrictions have thrown Christmas plans for millions into doubt - as even more people have been plunged into the top Tier from today, Boxing Day.
But there are some loopholes that mean Brits under the strict rules can still see their family over the festive season.
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Boris Johnson imposed tougher measures on all 32 boroughs of London and several areas of the South East to combat a rogue new strain of coronavirus.
And Matt Hancock extended that to a handful more areas in the South and East of England - putting another six million into Tier 4 from Boxing Day onwards.
The latest round of changes didn't affect their Christmas plans, however, as the new rules come into effect on Saturday at 00.01.
Health leaders in many areas are urging anyone who has come from Tier 4 not to mix with other households.
And despite the gloomy news, some people in Tier 4 will still be able to see their families, even with the draconian measures.
SUPPORT BUBBLES
The government had previously announced that Brits would be able to form ‘Christmas bubbles’ which would see three households being able to mix between December 23 to December 27.
People living in Tier 1-3 will still be able to mix but now just for one day.
While it has been axed for Tier 4, support bubbles remain in place for anyone in the country.
According to government advice “You are permitted to leave your home to visit your support bubble (and to stay overnight with them).”
This includes single parents, single people, vulnerable people and families with a young child under one.
People who are living in Tier 4 are permitted to leave the area to go to their support bubble, though are advised to stay local.
You can form a support bubble with another household if:
- you are the only adult in your household (any other members of the household having been under 18 on 12 June 2020), or are an under 18 year old living without any adults
- you live with someone with a disability who requires continuous care and there is no other adult living in the household
- you live with a child under 1, or who was under 1 on 2 December 2020
- you live with a child under 5, or who was under 5 on 2 December 2020, who has a disability and requires continuous care
EXERCISE
If support bubbles do not apply to you, you can still see one member of another household on the big day.
People living in Tier 4 are allowed to exercise in a public outdoor place with your household, support bubble, or with one other person if you maintain social distancing.
This means if you wish to see a member of your family on the big day you may meet in a park or public space for a socially distanced walk.
STUDENTS
While most students returned home to their families from December 3 to December 9, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan this week confirmed that the strict travel restrictions do not apply to university students who have not yet travelled home.
In a letter, Ms Donelan said: “This Government made a commitment that students could return home for Christmas and we are keeping it.
“To be clear, any student can travel home once during the period December 3 2020 to February 7 2021.
“This remains the case for those who may be preparing to travel from or to a Tier 4 area.”
The minister also encouraged students to take a test before they travel.
Anyone who breaks the rules could be hit with a £200 fine in the first instance.
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That doubles for further offences, up to a maximum of £6,400.
Those who hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more than 30 people, will be fined £10,000.