Published on 22 December 2020

Find out the coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions in your local area and information for people with diabetes to stay safe over the coming months.

UPDATE: 20th December - Following higher numbers of diagnosis and reports of a stronger strain of coronavirus (Covid-19) the government has announced an update to its previous recommendations for staying safe over the Christmas and New Year period.

Recent and upcoming changes to recommendations around the festive period.

From 20th December a new local restriction tier system will be in place in England. Additional measures will be observed for people living in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Find out the coronavirus restrictions in your local area.

Following higher numbers of diagnosis and reports of a stronger strain of coronavirus (Covid-19) the government has announced an update to its previous recommendations for staying safe over the Christmas and New Year period.

Read our previously published recommendations for people living with diabetes at What you need to know - Staying safe from Covid-19 over the festive period for people living with diabetes

As previously advised – on Christmas Day, 25th December - You can make a “Christmas bubble” if you live in Tier 1, 2 or 3.

You cannot make a Christmas bubble in Tier 4.

Follow government guidance on making a Christmas bubble with friends and family
A man putting on a face mask.


From 20th December, some of the worst affected parts of England will moved into the new Tier 4: Stay at Home category.

There are different restrictions in ScotlandWales and Northern Ireland.

There are 4 tiers. There are different rules depending on what tier an area is in.

Enter the postcode where you’re living or spend most of your time to find out what the rules are at the following link:

Find out what tier your area is in and what the local restrictions are.

A statement from the government said: “It is vital that we each take personal responsibility this Christmas to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones, particularly if they are vulnerable. One in three people with coronavirus (Covid-19) have no symptoms and will be spreading it without realising it. So the safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household or existing support bubble in your home. The more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread coronavirus.”

A online professional meeting.


Areas in Tier 4

If you live in a Tier 4 area, you must follow the rules in your tier over the Christmas period. This means that you cannot meet other people indoors, unless you ordinarily live with them, or they are part of your existing support bubble. Outdoors, you can only meet one person from another household.

Areas not in Tier 4

If you do not live in a Tier 4 area, you may see a maximum of two other households (your ‘Christmas bubble’) on Christmas Day (25 December). You cannot see anyone from a Tier 4 area.

You should think very carefully about the risks and only form a Christmas bubble if you feel you absolutely need to. Wherever possible, discuss alternatives to meeting up in person.

DRWF operations during the Covid-19 health crisis

The DRWF team is working remotely. Covid-19 guidance, particularly where it aligns or impacts with diabetes guidance, is shared as quickly as possible through the DRWF website and social media channels with the aim of making it as easy to understand as possible and a reliable source of latest news.

Further reports to follow – visit DRWF news page
Support DRWF by making a donation here
Find out more about DRWF-funded research here
Find out more about DRWF fundraising here
For latest update follow DRWF on FacebookInstagram and Twitter
To receive the charity’s latest bulletins as they become available, please sign up here
Read DRWF diabetes information leaflets here
Join the Diabetes Wellness Network here

Recent News