@Schoolchoicesucks
This is an odd thread. I appreciate that for the OP it makes things easier as it removes the uncertainty.
However surely the OP can see that for millions of others, this is upsetting news. Yes it may well be necessary and many of us will come to recognise that, but most of us will need a little time to acknowledge our feelings of disappointment.
It is odd to just think of yourself and how the news impacts you in a positive way and post an OP about that within minutes of the announcement. A little reflection and empathy for others would go a long way.
72% of posters agreeing with the OP suggests she is not alone in being relieved and thinking it's a good idea to have very strict rules.
And some people will be glad they don't have to travel 100s of miles and spend Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (travelling to, and staying with people they don't even like.) For many it will be a HUGE relief to stay home, with their partner and kids, and have NO-ONE coming round/visiting! AND a relief for THEM to not have to go anywhere.
I think more people will be relieved by it than not TBH.
But I do feel a bit sorry for people who had made a 4-5 day plan, and were wanting to see people they haven't seen for half the year, and I also feel sorry for people who are alone, and were planning on visiting a family member, and staying there a few days. And I think it's pretty awful for them to promise people this '5 days grace' and then take it away just four days before.
Would have been better to have put these strict rules in place a month ago.
All this complaining about not being able to see family 100s (or 1000s) of miles away, certainly makes you wonder if it is a good idea to move 100s/1000s of miles away from close family - especially parents. I bet some of the people shouting the loudest about all this, happily elected to move 100s and 100s of miles away from the place they grew up, and thought they were better than everyone else who stayed. It's biting them on the arse now though. Glad I am within 15 miles of everyone I love and care about (and all in the same tier - tier 2.)
And please spare me the 'oh I'm all right Jack, I live near my family!' comments. I am not apologising for living near my family, and living in the town I grew up in. When people make a choice to move 100s and 100s of miles away, that means they're not closeby when something serious happens (like a pandemic or a lockdown!)
A neighbour of mine has a sister who moved to Portugal, and married a Portuguese man, and in March they split up. She has her job there, a property with a high mortgage, and in negative equity, and is stuck there, with no family, and only one friend. Their mother died in March and she was unable to travel back for the funeral. Over Christmas she is 100% alone.
As I say, it seems OK moving away (from family and friends and everything you know,) but it can backfire spectacularly!
And 'neh neh neh' to London! 