Richmond is being moved to a new Tier 4 category of coronavirus restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today cancelled the Christmas bubble period for residents in London and the South East of England, only four days before it was due to begin, saying people should spend Christmas with their household or support bubbles only.

The Tier 4 rules come into effect tomorrow (Sunday, December 20) and mean that "non-essential" shops including clothes stores and hairdressers as well as gyms will have to close.

The changes come just days after the whole of London was upgraded from Tier 2 to Tier 3.

Tier 4 rules

• residents must stay at home, apart from limited exemptions
• non-essential retail, indoor gyms and leisure facilities and personal care services must close
• residents must work from home if they can, unless this is not possible eg manufacturing and construction sectors
• they should not enter or leave tier 4 areas
• Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home
• you can only meet one person from another household in an outdoor public space
• communal worship can continue to take place

Christmas at Kew

Kew Gardens said: "We're sorry to announce that we're cancelling Christmas At Kew on December 20 in light of changing guidance.

"We'll contact ticket holders directly and will share updates on future dates as soon as possible. We apologise for the disappointment caused."

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @RichmondNubNews on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.