Coronavirus news - live: Three households can mix at Christmas in five-day loosening of rules across UK

<p>Matt Hancock select committee</p> (AFP via Getty Images)

Matt Hancock select committee

(AFP via Getty Images)

Three households will be allowed to form a “bubble” over Christmas as the coronavirus rules are relaxed for five days across the UK.

The UK government and devolved administrations have agreed the approach despite concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The temporary easing of measures will allow three households to mix in a bubble from 23 to 27 December.

Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public place, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and meeting in other venues will be maintained throughout the period.

Prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce details of which areas of England will be placed in which tier of restrictions on Thursday ahead of the country coming out of the current lockdown on 2 December.

It comes as the UK recorded its highest daily coronavirus death toll since May, with a further 608 fatalities reported on Tuesday, compared to 614 on 12 May.