Travelling over Christmas (but not mixing except Xmas day)

[Browneyedgirl20]

What do people think of this, in light of yesterday’s news? Is it ok to go to a holiday cottage in tier 1, for example (from tier 2), if only mixing on Christmas Day? We were going to do this but are now cancelling. But family members are questioning this, as it isn’t against the rules per se?

Anyone?

I think it depends on where you are tbh. In Scotland and Wales it’s a no.

I agree that it is not against the rules, but if you have decided that it's a risk too far for you that is fine.

You cannot cross tiers. Stay local is the message.

I think it's OK and would do it.

It's not okay, you are right to cancel. See gov.uk for guidance on tier 2. We should all be staying local within our village, town, or part of city, unless for work, education, medical attention etc. Tbh that's not changed since yesterday.

The law has not been updated yet afaik (and pity the government lawyers who got stuck with drafting those updates overnight) but it appears you are allowed to cross tiers in England if not in Tier 4. If government meant for crossing tiers to be illegal, it would issue a stay at home order for Tiers 1 to 3.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the law won't change again before Christmas but at present it's allowed. I see no scientiic reason why, if you were ok with the risk of planning to visit them over 5 days yesterday that would find visiting them for one day now more risky?

I mean if you don't want to, then don't do it, but it's not against the law, and it seems less risky than what you were previously okay with so I can see why family members are '???'

Thanks all - real range of responses!! Can see why it’s a tricky decision..:

Ah, the legislation has been published now, someone shared it on another thread. Essentially, it's all about Tier 4 restrictions other than the Christmas period date changing to 25 only. So if you're in England non Tier 4, there's no change to the law on crossing tiers.

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1611/pdfs/uksi_20201611_en.pdf

Yet guidance states 'stay local' so this is a moral vs legal argument. I'm sure Cornwall will be delighted if all of us in tiers 2&3 decide not to follow the guidance and descend on them for Christmas.

So we can cross tiers... but in the announcement yesterday BJ said ‘you must not travel’ or ‘must stay local’ or something? For everyone? But it seems that is just advice or guidance rather than law...

We did desperately want to go but have now made the decision not to - but it’s not an easy one but any means.

Yes, it appears guidance vs a legal requirement. The 'stay local' message has always been the case afaik (out of lockdown) but many have not adhered to that guidance.

What Boris Johnson says in a press conference is not the law. The law is what is written in legislation and passed by the appropriate mechanisms.

Kindly, but you seem to be conflating two questions here: "what does the law say?' That's relatively straightforward to answer. And 'am I morally obliged to go beyond the law?' That's a question which is specific to you. All anyone else can really say is, 'it depends on your circumstances.'

Yes you are right @FreeFallingFree. I think we initially thought the press conference had resolved the decision for us whereas actually it remains our decision - and we’ve decided not to go.