Families will be allowed to meet two other households in a “Christmas bubble” under a five-day relaxation of social distancing rules.
They can travel freely around Britain from December 23 to 27 under a “limited and cautious” exemption from restrictions agreed between Westminster and the devolved administrations.
Social distancing rules will not apply within bubbles, allowing loved ones to hug each other. However, official advice will urge people to “think carefully about what they do during this period” and take precautions to avoid infecting vulnerable relatives.
Government scientific advisers have warned that the relaxation will cost lives and risks a third lockdown in January and hospital chiefs say it is premature.
Graham Medley, a member of Sage and the chairman of its SPI-M modelling group,
