Coronavirus: A guide to forming your Christmas Bubble

People who are looking to form a ‘Christmas Bubble’ are being encouraged to take extra precautions in the lead up to the festive period.

This Christmas, from 23 December to 27 December 2020, we’ll all able be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble’. This bubble allows you to join up to two other households during this period.

However, once you’ve decided which two households you want to spend time with, you can’t change them. Your bubble remains the same throughout this period. For example, you can’t spend Christmas Eve with two households and then Christmas Day with two different households.

You can spend time with the people in your bubble in someone’s home, garden, places of worship or in an outside public space. In terms of hospitality settings such as bars and pubs, you have to follow the guidance for the highest alert level in your Christmas bubble. For example, if someone in your bubble is from a Tier 3 area, everyone in the bubble must follow the hospitality guidance for Tier 3. You can find the tier guidance here. 

People are being encouraged to follow the below guidance to help reduce the risk of transmission:

• You, and the people in your Christmas bubble, should do what they can to limit your contact in the two weeks leading up to 23 December. This might mean avoiding busier places and limiting who you see.
• Also, limit who you spend time with after 27 December, to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
• Keep washing your hands regularly.
• If you’re spending time indoors, keep the space as well ventilated as possible by opening doors and windows.
• You can still decide to keep your distance more than you normally would if that would make you feel more comfortable.

 Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:

“It has been a tough year for us all, and I know the news that measures will be relaxed over the festive season will be welcomed by many people. It’s understandable that people want to mix and socialise with friends and family after being deprived of this for so long.

“Evidence shows that the majority of virus transmissions happen indoors where there is often no fresh air, and the particles can remain suspended in the air for hours and build up over time.

“That is why we are asking people to take particular care over these next few weeks. Everybody in a Christmas bubble is responsible for taking clear steps to prevent catching and spreading the virus.

“Now is the time when you should reduce unnecessary contact with people you do not live with as much as possible – and continuing to follow the current tier guidance for Shropshire.”

If you have coronavirus symptoms then the rules don’t change – you should still get tested and self-isolate. You shouldn’t be part of a Christmas bubble if you have symptoms.

Christmas Bubbles FAQs

Can I see people that aren’t in my Christmas bubble? 

You can’t spend time indoors with anyone that isn’t in your Christmas bubble from 23 December to 27 December, but you can meet up with others outside in public spaces. 

However, this has to be done in line with the guidance in your local area. 

Can I travel to form a Christmas bubble? 

Yes, you can travel across the UK to form your Christmas bubble, regardless of tiers. Any travelling should also take place between 23 December and 27 December.

If you’re travelling on public transport, it’s a good idea to plan ahead as services are likely to be busier than normal. If you’re driving, it’s best to only travel in a car with people in your household or support bubble.  

Can I stay overnight during the Christmas period? 

Once you’ve formed your Christmas bubble, you can stay overnight at someone’s house if they’re in your bubble.

If you need to stay overnight elsewhere, you can stay at a hotel, but can only do so by yourself or with those in your household or support bubble – this doesn’t include those in your Christmas bubble. 

Can I form a Christmas bubble if I’m extremely clinically vulnerable?

Everyone can form a Christmas bubble, even if you’re extremely clinically vulnerable. However, doing so might carry a higher risk. It’s a good idea to think about the possible risks and what out what’s best for you. This is a personal decision and you should do what you feel comfortable with.

If you do decide to form a Christmas bubble, you may decide to limit the number of people you spend time with and consider meeting up with just one other household instead of two. Or you may want to join up with smaller households rather than households with large numbers of people. The fewer people you interact with, the lower your risk of catching coronavirus.

You can read more about Shropshire’s Tier 2 restrictions here

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (lines open on the weekend on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm) or visit our website. 

Keep up to date by signing up for COVID-19 updates here