 In Tier 2 we are still allowed to form Christmas bubbles but only for Christmas Day.
- keep your Christmas bubble as small as possible. Two other households is a maximum, not a target
- do not join a Christmas bubble with anyone from a Tier 4 area
- stop all unnecessary social contact outside your immediate household as soon as possible and for at least five days before you meet other households in your bubble
- only meet your Christmas bubble in private homes or in your garden, places of worship, or public outdoor spaces
- only see your bubble on Christmas Day. Do not stay overnight and keep your visits as short as possible
- stay local where possible. Avoid travelling from a high prevalence to a low prevalence area
- only meet people who are not in your Christmas bubble outside your home according to the rules in the tier you live in (unless coming from a lower to a higher tier) and do not meet socially with friends and family that you do not live with in your home or garden unless they are part of your Christmas bubble
When seeing your Christmas bubble, you should keep taking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes meeting outdoors where possible, ensuring indoor spaces get as much fresh air as possible, making space between members of different households wherever you can, washing your hands regularly and for 20 seconds, and following rules on self-isolation if you develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.
You must not visit another household if you, or anyone in your household, is feeling unwell or self-isolating.
For the full guidance and more information, please visit the Government website
 The government confirmed last week that North Devon is to remain in Tier 2 for the time being.
It has reviewed the three-tier structure and decided that because of our circumstances – including the number of confirmed coronavirus cases, the demographic of those case numbers and pressure on NHS services – Devon will stay in Tier 2 until the next review at the end of the year.
This means that everyone must continue to:
- Not mix with other households indoors (that doesn't just mean in homes - it also includes pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops etc.)
- Stick to the rule of six outdoors
- Work from home if possible
- Reduce the number of journeys we make
Pubs and restaurants must shut at 11.00pm, and only serve alcohol with a substantial meal. Spectators are allowed at sports events and live performances, but in limited numbers. Personal care businesses, including hairdressers, can remain open if they follow COVID-secure guidance.
 Cases of Covid in North Devon are still high, we currently have the second highest rates per 100,000 in the whole of Devon (171.9) whereas Devon as a whole is (117.7).
We are receiving reports that people going to pubs and cafes are not following the rules by mixing households. With the infection rate rising in North Devon this puts individuals at risk but also puts the premises at risk of enforcement action.
The number of cases within the age groups 20-39 and 40-59 has grown recently so this is not an infection that is limited to older people. With the tiers being reviewed again over the Christmas period, we don’t want to see harsher measures introduced.
We know its hard not to see your friends and family at Christmas time, but if we don't all follow the rules, we won't be able to get rid of the virus. We all have a responsibility to control the spread so let’s all do our bit to bring these numbers down.
For more information on cases across Devon, visit the Devon County Council Coronavirus dashboard:
The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages – giving businesses and employees across the UK certainty into the New Year. To find out more, visit the Government's website.
This year has been, and continues to be tough for all of us. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling, here are some numbers for charities who can offer support.
 Our offices will close for Christmas at 2pm on Christmas Eve until Monday 4 January. During this time there is lots of information about our services on our website.
We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy new year.
We just wanted to let you know that we will be back in the new year, with a change to fortnightly bulletins keeping you up to date with all the latest Coronavirus news.
Please be reassured that if there is urgent information we need to tell you about we will still send a bulletin out straight away.
Until then - we wish you a happy, healthy and safe Christmas and a happy new year.
Avoid misinformation on Coronavirus - only follow advice from official, trusted sources.
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