Government considering allowing ‘five days of indoor household mixing’ over Christmas

The government is reportedly considering proposals that offer a break in the strict lockdown restrictions over Christmas.

The Sun reports that health chiefs are currently looking at the option of giving Britain a long weekend of loosened restrictions for next month’s festivities. 

With Christmas Eve falling on a Thursday and the Bank Holiday on Monday, December 28th, ministers are looking at allowing eased restrictions for that five-day weekend.

Sage scientists have reportedly been studying the impact of bigger groups (greater than six people) meeting up for a short period of time.

The five-day weekend idea would be for everyone across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Reports suggests there would be a limit to the group size of around 10 people.

A spokesperson for No10 told The Sun: “We are looking at ways to ensure that people can spend time with close family over Christmas at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

Medics are reportedly concerned that this will normalise mixing.

It is understood that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not set to sign off any Christmas plans until December.

Other proposals include exempting children under 12 from the rules of gathering sizes to allow for larger groups with children to meet.

The Times reported that officials are also considering allowing ‘bubbles’ of up to two or three households to meet for Christmas.

It is currently unclear what will happen to the social distancing rules once the lockdown ends on December 2nd.

A Downing Street spokesman told the Express: “We are looking at ending national restrictions on December 2nd and moving to a tier system.

“There will be separate rules for Christmas but no decision has been taken about those yet.”