Three different households can mix indoors in a five-day period between 23-27 December, a Cobra meeting chaired by the Cabinet Office minister, Michael Gove, has announced.

The Westminster government and devolved administrations agreed to relax measures during Christmas.

Public health experts warned over the potential increase of Covid-19 cases in this period.

Devi Sridhar, a professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, said to a Commons committee: “I guess I have to speak bluntly: the virus doesn’t care if it’s Christmas. We still have pretty high prevalence across the country. It is risky for people to mix indoors with alcohol with elderly relatives at this point in time.”

Recently, Boris Johnson announced his post-lockdown plan to come into play after the 2nd of December.

Non-essential shops and gyms will be allowed to open.

Pubs and restaurants can provide delivery services only during tier-3 restrictions.

Words: Kristina Hristova | Subbing: Warshma Chughtai