CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and although sterner warnings about mixing between households is expected, ‘dos and don’ts’ around the festive period are ‘unlikely to change’.

Plans for five key days around Christmas are said to be set for discussion by government officials later today, according to the BBC.

READ MORE: Leader ‘anticipates’ Bucks could face tier three after ‘rapid rise’ in COVID cases

And while any changes to local tier allocations are still expected to be announced before the end of the day (Wednesday, December 16), government guidance about what to do from December 23-27 is as follows:

  • You may form a “ Christmas bubble ” with people from three households
  • You may convene in homes, places of worship or in a public outdoor place – but not restaurants and pubs
  • If you form a bubble, you should not meet people you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your bubble
  • You may travel between tiers and nations in the UK to be in your bubble
  • If you do not form a bubble, you should follow the guidance for your local tier

From December 28 you must follow the guidance for the tier in your area. Christmas bubbles will no longer apply.

Buckinghamshire Council leader Cllr Martin Tett said in a Cabinet meeting yesterday he ‘anticipates’ the entire county could be placed into tier three after a “rapid” rise in infections across all areas.

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He said the rise was no longer predominantly confined to the south of the county and that now the former Aylesbury Vale District County area had one of the “highest” rates of infection.

Cllr Tett said while he is “well aware” of what tougher restrictions could mean for the local economy, he is also concerned about the “extreme pressure” on local health services.

“If the infection rates continue to rise after Christmas there could be a really serious situation in the local NHS,” he warned.

Buckinghamshire is currently in tier two, or ‘high alert’.

Were it to move into ‘very high’ (tier three), the restrictions would be:

  • No household mixing in or outdoors, in gardens, or hospitality venues
  • Rule of six outdoors
  • Pubs and restaurants should be closed, except for delivery and takeaway services
  • Indoor entertainment venues should close
  • People should avoid travelling in and out of the area
  • Hairdressers can continue to operate