Up To Three Households Allowed To Mix Over Christmas

Up to three households could be allowed to mix over the Christmas period, under a set of temporary arrangements to be agreed by the Executive.

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have signalled temporary arrangements that will be put in place between 23 and 27 December.

The Executive will discuss the precise arrangements on Thursday.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "Christmas is traditionally a time of hope and togetherness and we want to give people something to look forward to in this most difficult of years.

"It is right that we give people as much certainty as we can in the lead-up to the festive season, to enable everyone to plan and decide what is right for their family.

"Between 23 and 27 December, up to three households will be able to form a bubble with one another; indeed some may decide that they will not take advantage of this arrangement, depending on their individual circumstances.

"We hope this early signal will provide some comfort to everyone and we will work with Executive colleagues and our medical advisers in the coming days to provide further clarity."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill also said: "This has been an extremely difficult year for everyone and people have made huge sacrifices to keep their families safe. Christmas is such an important time across the community and we are conscious that, with the season fast approaching, people will want to plan for what Christmas with loved ones will look like this year.

"It is our intention to enable up to three households to form an exclusive bubble between 23 and 27 December. This will allow people to come together with family and friends, albeit not in the normal way.

"We know that any relaxation comes with increased risk, so it is crucially important that people take every possible step, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, to stop the virus from spreading and keep transmission levels as low as possible."