WITH NEW YEARS Eve parties looking like they could be off the cards for the first time in our lifetimes, we ask - should restrictions be eased?

Oxfordshire has been put into the new Tier 4 - which means that groups of people cannot meet indoors. 

Outside only two people can meet in public spaces. 

Pubs, bars and non-essential retail must also close. 

Christmas traditions were very different this year with families told they cannot meet to halt the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. 

Plans for New Year could look very different to normal too.

London's famous New Year's Eve fireworks display, usually aired live on TV as the clocks strike midnight on January 1, has been cancelled.

Any hospitality venues around the country that are allowed to stay open have a curfew of 11pm.

Even large crowds have been reduced to smaller numbers at big venues to maintain social distancing.

So, do you think Coronavirus restrictions should be eased over New Years?

We asked our readers on Facebook.

Here’s what you said:

Vincent Ellis said: “Yes, yes and another yes. It’s been nearly a year now and bored, bored and another bored of all of the restrictions. A virus will not go away because we hide indoors, mental health and jobs are important, just saying!”

Andy Morris agreed. He said: “Yes, but don’t wait until new year, do it now. 891,000 jobs already lost according to the BBC.”

Trevor Rolls also added: "Yes let's get life back to normal and the economy back otherwise our children and grandchildren will be paying for it."

Simon Hand said: “Let’s just reinstate the lockdown, bugger Christmas! It’s all about a beer garden in August for me, bit of pain now maybe a nice summer later…”

But others disagreed, some saying it isn't worth the risk.

Paul McGinn explained: “Absolutely not! Relaxing restrictions over Christmas is counter intuitive too but with guidance in place no matter how haphazard it seems hopefully some will comply or at least do it in the sensible way.”

Rachael Elston agreed, saying: “Absolutely bloody well not. This virus is [going to go] out of control again after Christmas I reckon.”

Donna Horton added: "Absolutely not. Shouldn't even be done for Christmas."

Janet Kingdon said: “No and Christmas needs a rethink as well. Many will be sensible but there are those who just don’t care and will throw us all into Tier 3 if not another lockdown.”

Sam Daws said: “Definitely not. With the vaccine on the way we can surely all manage a less sociable Christmas just this year.”

Gemma Say also said: "It isn't going to go away for a few days just because it is new year."

Some said it wouldn’t matter if we were in Tier 1, 2 or 3 because 'people will break the rules'.

Susan Rayner-Busby said: “No! [rules shouldn't be relaxed] But it will not make a difference people will do exactly what they want regardless.”

Jennifer Cater agreed, saying: “Personally no, but people will do what they want anyway.”

Angie Painting also said: “Whatever is set in place no one will stick to it. Can’t win with whatever is set.”

Selina Castro Goodgame said: "Does it matter? Everyone does what they want anyway...it's all pointless, rules keep changing, we are in Tier 2 but for five days three houses can mix together it's ridiculous! I will keep wearing my mask and being distant."

Thames Valley Police have previously urged anybody to contact the force if they spot somebody breaking the rules.

Under the restrictions police officers can disperse gatherings of seven people or more who aren't from the same household, close a shop breaking the rules and issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN).