Hampshire County Council is reminding residents how they can form a Christmas bubble with loved ones during the five-day festive window, 23 to 27 December, whilst making sure they continue to take steps to stay safe.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans, said: “After a difficult and challenging year, we know that many people will be looking forward to creating a Christmas Bubble with loved ones.
Although the introduction of new vaccines is giving us all hope for a brighter 2021, it is vital that we remain vigilant over the holiday period and beyond, so we can continue to limit the spread of COVID-19. The advice is to discuss the pros and cons of gathering in a larger group before agreeing to form a Bubble, especially with anyone who is at higher risk from the impact of the virus, and how best to do this, to keep everyone safe.”
Hampshire is currently in Tier 2 (High). All residents should keep following the tier guidance, while ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated and washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
Christmas Bubbles – the Government guidance sets out a few key ‘rules’:
You can form an exclusive ‘Christmas Bubble’ composed of people from no more than three households. Try to keep it as small as possible.
You can only be in one Christmas Bubble – once formed, you can’t change this.
Only meet your Christmas Bubble at home, or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces.
You must not form a Christmas Bubble if you are self-isolating.
Cllr Mans, added: “We must all be responsible and take clear steps to prevent catching and spreading the virus. We would also remind residents that anyone displaying symptoms, however mild, must stay at home and book a test - and everyone in the Christmas Bubble must then follow the appropriate self-isolation guidance.
Although many people will choose to opt into a Christmas Bubble, we know some may feel uncomfortable doing so, or may be unable to gather with family or friends. The response of our communities to the pandemic over the past year has been nothing short of inspirational and we urge everyone to continue looking out for each other over the festive period.”
There is further Christmas Bubble guidance online which covers:
Meeting indoors and outdoors, and meeting people outside your Christmas Bubble
Childcare and advice for separated parents
Advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable and care home residents
Travel and overnight stays
Advice for students
General guidance on understanding support bubbles is available at www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/coronavirus-support-bubbles