FOR some people in Berkshire and the surrounding counties, the new Tier 4 restrictions mean that they will be facing Christmas Day alone.
Residents in Berkshire, London and other areas of the south east were placed into Tier 4 on Saturday, which included a government U-turn on a Christmas relaxation of rules.
People in Tier 4 areas must stay home, and travelling outside of a Tier 4 area is completely banned - including for Christmas.
People in this Tier cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas and New Year period, unless they live with them, or they are part of a support bubble - but new support bubbles cannot be formed for Christmas.
Inevitably, some people have been unable to travel home to be with loved ones, and others who live alone are unable to form a support bubble for Christmas.
Karen Shenton, from Reading, had concerns about her elderly mother.
"My mum is over 80 and will be on her own," she said.
She said it was too risky to now form a support bubble with her mother, with the family not having isolated.
Suzanne Lees-Jones said: "My dad will be alone in Leicester because we both want to keep each other, mainly him, safe."
The new Covid strain, announced by Matt Hancock last week, is thought to be most prevalent in the south east.
Eloise Russant said: "I live alone, and all my family live in Wales, so I can not travel there as I was planning to.
"My support bubble lives in a Tier 2 area, and will be spending Christmas with their families.
"There is no option for me; all my friends have maximum house holds/people already."
She added that she would likely catch up with her family via Zoom.
Others have also planned to use Zoom, or other video call options, to virtually see their family members or friends.
LornaMedia on Twitter said: "Me and two of my pals who are also doing Christmas alone (due to Tier 4 and now for me isolation) have decided to eat our xmas dinner together on Zoom! I mean I already know it will be a hoot."
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Meanwhile, Twitter account ChristmasUK said: "Tier 4, and Christmas alone, as with a lot of you.
"Have gone overboard with the Christmas decorations, there's enough food to feed a high-class army in the house, but will be looking for things to keep the mind occupied."
If you are struggling this Christmas, there are some 24/7 services available to help.
Please see:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit the website
Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit the website
Age UK: Call 0800 169 6565 or visit the website
Shout: Text 85258 and a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text with you
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