Dorset will remain in Tier 2 – High Alert.  The rules for Christmas Day 2020 are different.

It is vital that we each take personal responsibility this Christmas to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable.

One in three people with Coronavirus (COVID-19) have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. So the safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household or existing support bubble in your home. The more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread Coronavirus.

Living in Dorset, you may see a maximum of two other households (your ‘Christmas bubble’) on Christmas Day (25 December). You cannot see anyone from a Tier 4 area. You should think very carefully about the risks and only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to. Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person.

The rules below are law for December 25th and taken from the Government’s website:

You can only form a Christmas bubble if you do not live in a Tier 4 area. If you are permitted to form a Christmas bubble and choose to do so:

• keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
• do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
• stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
• only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
• only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
• stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area
• if you are meeting someone who is not in your Christmas or support bubble, you can only do so outside your home or garden and in accordance with the rules in your tier (either the tier you live in, or the tier you are meeting in – whichever is stricter)

When seeing your Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes:

• meeting outdoors where possible
• ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible
• making space between members of different households wherever you can
• washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
• following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.

You should not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is self-isolating. You should get a free NHS test if you have symptoms, have been asked to by your local council or your hospital, or are taking part in a government pilot project.

For more information on forming your Christmas Bubble under various circumstances – Please click HERE.

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