I hadn't realised until late last night that in tier 4 even Christmas Day socialising between different households was forbidden and one was to stay put. I'd thought that one day was still a free-for-all for everyone. But it seems this alleged "new strain" in the south east is causing concern amongst officials.

...And due to last night's mass evacuation of London that new strain is probably all around the country by now.

But, it needs reiterating...

Quote :

What does tier 4 mean?

Under tier 4 restrictions, non-essential shops, hairdressers, and leisure and entertainment venues must close, with a new “stay at home” message introduced.

People who need to travel for education or childcare are exempt, and exercise is unlimited. Where people cannot work from home, they will still be able to travel to work.

Under the measures, households are not allowed to mix, but one person is allowed to meet with one other person outside in a public space.

Support bubbles and those meeting for childcare are exempt.

Those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable should not go to work and should limit time outside of their homes.

Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home, and cannot travel abroad.

But then...

Quote :

What does this mean for Christmas?

In London and the south-east, people must stay at home over Christmas and must not meet up with other households. One resident could meet up with another one person for a walk, but not a whole household of people.

In the rest of England, the window for multiple households meeting has been reduced from a five-day window between 23 and 27 to just Christmas Day.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/20/covid-tier-4-what-are-the-new-rules-for-london-and-south-east-england