Three households can mix over five-day Christmas period

Up to three households will be allowed to mix indoors for up to five days over Christmas.

They will be able to travel between council areas and across the UK during December 23 and 27 to form a ‘bubble’ – but each household must only join one bubble.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there was a risk in any relaxation of restrictions during the festive period and asked people to think carefully about the necessity of mixing, given the risk of spreading coronavirus.

She said: “We know that for some, contact with friends and family is crucial during this time as isolation and loneliness can hit people especially hard over the Christmas period. The ‘bubble’ approach aims to reduce this impact.

“But we must be clear, there cannot be any further relaxation of measures for Hogmanay. Even this short relaxation will give the virus a chance to spread.

“Our priority is to suppress the transmission of Covid-19 and reduce the risk to the vulnerable and those who have spent so long shielding – and that involves abiding by the rules.

“Just because you can mix with others indoors over this time, that doesn’t mean you have to. If you choose to stick with the rules as they are, then you will be continuing the hard work to beat this virus and prevent its spread.”

Households have been urged to keep visits to no more than one or two days if possible and bubbles can gather in houses, at an outdoor place or a place of worship.

In all other settings – such as hospitality – those who have formed a bubble should only socialise with members of their own household.

Households in a bubble will be asked to limit social contact before and after the Christmas period.