FAMILIES on the Isle of Wight will be able to meet over Christmas after the Government announced a loosening of Covid rules for the festive season.
With just over a month to go until Christmas, ministers have agreed to UK-wide rules which will allow families to meet for Christmas.
The new rules will be limited to the period from December 23 to 27.
Up to three households will be allowed to mix in homes.
Families will also be permitted to cross national borders to meet.
More Isle of Wight Covid cases confirmed
As well as each other's homes, people will be allowed to mix in places of worship and outdoor public spaces by forming a 'Christmas bubble'.
But people must comply with hospitality rules place in their areas and the groupings must be 'exclusive'.
This means people cannot get together with those from more than two other households.
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, stressed any changes will be "temporary" and "limited".
The Isle of Wight has reported 278 new positive cases of coronavirus this month.
The UK today recorded another 608 deaths of people who have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test. There were also a further 11,299 cases of people testing positive for coronavirus.
Festive Covid rules to allow people to 'enjoy something closer to a normal Christmas'
Cabinet minister Michael Gove said people will be able to "enjoy something closer to a normal Christmas".
He said: "(This is a chance for people to) meet close friends and family in a very restricted fashion, in order to ensure that those we love can be with us at this special season".
"We all know Christmas this year won't be as it has been in years past, but all the governments agreed we should balance the need to protect public health with also allowing people to be with their loved ones."
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