Covid restrictions: What can I do at Christmas and what’s on the naughty list? Full guide revealed
BORIS Johnson has urged Brits to be "very cautious" and "think about their activities" in the run up to Christmas as Omicron rips through the country.
The PM and ministers have suggested people should skip unimportant social engagements to avoid the risk of catching the virus ahead of December 25.
It comes after chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty suggested we "deprioritise" events like work parties and focus on time with family.
Omicron is fuelling an astonishing rise in infections with almost 80,000 new cases yesterday - the highest number on record for a 24 hour period.
That has prompted a slew of messages from scientists and politicians for Brits to consider limiting their social contacts over the next few weeks.
Today the PM insisted "we don’t want to make your choices for you about your social life" and "we’re not closing things".
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He's sticking to his Plan B measures which include mandatory mask wearing in most indoor settings, Covid passes for big venues, and working from home.
But care minister Gillian Keegan said people attending Christmas parties should pre-test, "space out", and open windows.
No 10 is pinning its hopes on millions of Brits voluntarily changing their behaviour, which critics have called a "lockdown by stealth".
Here's the lowdown on what you can and can't legally do this festive season.
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WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AT CHRISTMAS?
There are no rules in place in England or Wales to limit social interaction with friends and family.
But in the run-up to Christmas we have been encouraged to meet outdoors if possible as this reduces the risk of catching or spreading Covid.
Those in Scotland have been asked to restrict social contact to two other households either side of Christmas.
Meanwhile people in Northern Ireland have been told indoor gatherings should have no more than 30 people present.
WHERE AM I REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACE COVERING OVER THE HOLIDAYS?
From December 10, face coverings have been required by law in most indoor settings and on public transport across the UK, unless you are exempt.
A mask or face shield is not legally required in hospitality settings such as cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs.
This exemption also applies to gyms and nightclubs, as it is not recommended you wear one while exercising or during "strenuous physical activity".
You are not expected to wear a face covering while eating or drinking.
But it is advised you wear one in "crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet".
WILL I BE ABLE TO HOST OR ATTEND CHRISTMAS PARTIES?
Professor Chris Witty has urged people in England to prioritise social events "that really matter to them" but there are no laws prohibiting Christmas parties.
Boris Johnson said last night: "We're not cancelling events, we're not closing hospitality, we're not cancelling people's parties or their ability to mix."
While there are also no legal restrictions on this in Wales, the Cardiff & Vale Health Board tweeted they "strongly discourage attending Christmas parties".
Nicola Sturgeon has asked Scots to limit social contact to two households and people in Northern Ireland must not hold gatherings of over 30.
WHAT IF I HAVE FAMILY ABROAD? CAN I VISIT THEM FOR CHRISTMAS?
The guidance on travel abroad maintains that you should not visit countries or territories on the UK's red list - of which there are currently none.
Restrictions may still be in place for Britons travelling to a certain country, according to that country's rules and requirements.
From midnight on Friday, people arriving from Britain to France will be required to show a negative Covid test that is less than 24 hours old.
They'll also have to test again on arrival and self-isolate for seven days, although that can be reduced to 48 hours if the second test is negative.
WHERE AM I REQUIRED TO SHOW MY COVID PASS OR A NEGATIVE TEST?
Across the UK, certain venues and events are now legally required to check the Covid status of customers over the age of 18.
That means either being fully vaccinated with two or three doses or having proof of a negative test taken in the last 48 hours.
Brits can use the NHS app, which generates a QR code based on medical records which can be scanned by organisers.
Visitors will need to do this for entry into nightclubs, indoor events with 500+ people, outdoor events with 4,000+ people or any venue with 10,000+ people.
AM I EXPECTED TO WORK FROM HOME?
In order to limit the spread of Covid as Christmas approaches, England's guidance is people should work from home if they can.
If you cannot work from home, you should continue to go into work - but are encouraged to consider taking lateral flow tests regularly.
Northern Ireland also recommends working from home where possible. Employees there should consult with staff to determine who needs to come in.
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In Scotland, employers are legally required to allow their staff to work from home and employers in Wales, while not by law, are encouraged to do the same.
