The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson made this announcement in a briefing today Wednesday 16 December.
Boris Johnson said in a coronavirus briefing:
‘We must hold our nerve this winter, the r rate is down, but there are worrying rises in London at 270 per 100,000 people and increases in Kent, tomorrow Matt Hancock will announce the review of Tiers.
‘We need to exercise extreme caution at Christmas, the virus spreads invisibly – it’s so important to follow the rules and take personal responsibility.
‘We’re collectively across the UK asking you to think hard and in detail to do whatever you can to protect others and yourself. A shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas. Three households meeting for five days is not a target it’s a limit.’
‘Please reduce the number of people you are in contact with – avoid staying away from home overnight and travelling from lower Tier areas to higher Tier areas where possible.
‘No-one should be gathering in large crowds to celebrate New Year.’
