FRIENDS and families across the region will still be permitted to meet for Christmas - but the rules have drastically changed.

New Government guidance on what you can and can't do over the festive period has been released following the decision to review the rules.

Last week, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the five-day period would be scrapped in favour of just one day of restrictions.

He made the comments as he placed London and much of the South-East under the newly-created Tier 4, and amid fears of a new strain of Covid-19.

But what are the rules? We've looked at what the latest guidance says and listed everything you need to know.

When can I meet friends and family?

The rules were originally set to be relaxed between December 23 and Dcember 27, with up to three households allowed to mix in Tier 3.

These rules have now been scaled back and you will only be allowed to mix on Christmas Day - December 25, while the guidance has now changed to say you should only mix "if you feel you really need to."

Can I still mix with two other households?

Yes, the guidance on Christmas bubbles state that up to three households can mix - but this must be done in private homes and gardens, places of worship, or an outdoor public space.

Those who already have support bubbles can continue to mix with other households as one collective household - meaning one support bubble is classed as one household for the purposes of the three-household limit.

Can I still visit other tiers, and can relatives come from areas under different rules?

The Christmas bubble rules apply to areas under Tier 1, 2 and 3 - they do not apply to Tier 4 areas, which include London and much of the South-East.

You are permitted to travel between tiers to form a bubble for Christmas Day, but the guidance remains that you "should avoid" travelling to areas where cases are lower, if coming from a high case area.

Can I stay overnight the day before, or on Christmas day?

The guidance states that you must not travel to form your Christmas bubble any earlier than on December 25, except in exceptional circumstances for example, due to travel disruption.

It means you could run the risk of being fined for Covid breaches if you travel before December 25 to form your Christmas bubble, or if you leave the home of that bubble after December 25.

Will Christmas bubbles apply at New Year?

No the rules set to be relaxed for Christmas Day will not carry over to the New Year period as the guidance says: "If you formed a Christmas bubble, you should reduce your contact with people you do not live with as much as possible after meeting your Christmas bubble.

"This includes not meeting up with friends or family outside your household, including for New Years Eve, even if you feel well."

Can I visit relatives in a care home on Christmas Day?

The guidance states that family members will still be permitted to visit care homes, except where there is an outbreak.

It says: "In all tiers you can continue visiting relatives in care homes, except where there is an outbreak in the care home.

"Using rapid (lateral flow) tests provided to care homes, residents can have indoor visits from up to two visitors each week by Christmas. If a visitor has a negative test, is wearing appropriate PPE, and following other infection control measures, then it may be possible to have limited physical contact with their loved one, such as providing personal care, holding hands and hugging.

"Visits can also be held outside or in other COVID-secure visiting areas with social distancing and PPE in place."