People across the UK are being urged to think carefully before they take advantage of the relaxation of restrictions over Christmas. Government adviser Prof Andrew Hayward says family gatherings are a ‘recipe for regret’ for people. The devolved administrations have agreed UK-wide rules to allow families to meet between 23-27 December and three households will be allowed to be in each other's homes. The plans have been criticised by pub owners as meet-ups in hospitality venues are banned. The head of the European Commission has said countries could face a third wave if they ease restrictions too early. Nearly 60 million cases have been confirmed globally with around 1.4 million deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.