One of Cornwall’s public health officials has set out the guidelines for people who want to spend Christmas with other households.

Dr Ruth Goldstein, lead public health consultant at Cornwall Council, admitted that the rules for Christmas were “complex” and wanted to make sure that people were clear about what they can and cannot do.

She said that there were clear differences as to how people can behave should they decide to follow the Government’s Christmas bubble guidelines.

Between December 23 and December 27 people will be able to choose to form an exclusive Christmas bubble made up of people from no more than three households.

Dr Goldstein stressed that if people choose to do this they must then remain within that bubble for the whole period.

She said: “There is an awful lot of confusion about what that means. It is not a simple concept and we will be putting out some thorough guidance in the next week about Christmas bubbles.”

Dr Goldstein said that the Government had created the concept of Christmas bubbles to ensure that people would be able to meet up and celebrate with their families which she said would also help with people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“It is important that people have the opportunity to see their loved ones around the end of the year and that Christmas period.

“But if people choose to do that it is important that they follow the guidelines. Some people will choose not to as they are concerned about the spread at this time. Some people may think it is more important to see loved ones.