Information from Knowsley

Christmas bubbles

With Christmas fast approaching, ensure you know the rules about creating a Christmas Bubble before you make plans. You can meet with people from no more than 3 households in total from 23-27 December only. From 28 December, Tier 2 arrangements will continue which means you can’t mix with other households in any indoor setting. You can meet with up to 6 people in an outdoor setting (‘rule of six’). https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/christmas-bubbles-what-you-need-to-know/

Changes to self-isolation

From Monday 14 December, if you test positive for COVID you only need to self isolate for 10 days (previously 14 days). People in your household, support bubble or close contacts will need to self-isolate for 10 days too. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/changes-to-self-isolation-period-announced/

Support line

The Knowsley Volunteer & Support Line is still available for people needing help and support with shopping, medication, dog walking or just someone to chat to. If you don’t have family and friends and you’re self-isolating, call the team on 0800 073 0043 or complete an online form on the council’s website. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/remember-were-still-here-to-help/

Christmas opening times for SMART test centres

Residents are being encouraged to visit one of the borough’s testing facilities if you don’t have any symptoms. It can identify people with the virus who are unknowingly passing it on to others. In particular, get after the festive break and before you return to school or work. Testing centres are open at Volair Leisure Centres in Halewood, Huyton and Kirkby for people who are not displaying symptoms. People can pass on the virus without knowing they have COVID, so getting tested can identify people who need to self-isolate. Centres are open 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm at weekends. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/lets-get-tested-knowsley-2/ The opening hours for the test centres have now been confirmed – no appointment is needed. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/get-tested-and-start-2021-covid-safe/

Important advice about New Year

Can you meet up with family and friends at New Year? The answer is no. The restrictions have only been relaxed for 5 days to allow family and friends to see each other for Christmas from 23-27 December. From 28 December, restrictions come back into force which mean you can’t mix with other households in any indoor setting. If you meet outside, the rule of six applies. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/important-information-about-new-year/

Travel over the festive period

If travel is part of your festive plans, plan your journeys in advance. Bus services will continue to Christmas Day from 12pm until 6pm covering most hospital routes, Mersey Tunnel tolls will be free from 10pm on Christmas Eve until 6am on Boxing Day. Some transport services will finish earlier than usual so please check before you travel and remember to wear a face covering on public transport. https://www.knowsleynews.co.uk/travel-advice-for-the-festive-season/