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Coronavirus bubbles: How do they work and who is in yours? Coronavirus bubbles: How do they work and who is in yours?
(2 days later)
As lockdown restrictions are eased further, people across the UK can now set up support bubbles.As lockdown restrictions are eased further, people across the UK can now set up support bubbles.
The aim is to help people who've been cut off from friends and family.The aim is to help people who've been cut off from friends and family.
Those inside a support bubble count as one household and do not have to socially distance from one another.Those inside a support bubble count as one household and do not have to socially distance from one another.
What is a support bubble?What is a support bubble?
A bubble is defined as a group of people with whom you have close physical contact. The idea was first introduced in New Zealand.A bubble is defined as a group of people with whom you have close physical contact. The idea was first introduced in New Zealand.
Single adults living alone - or single parents whose children are under 18 - can now form a support bubble with one other household.Single adults living alone - or single parents whose children are under 18 - can now form a support bubble with one other household.
The second household can be of any size and can now include people who are shielding.The second household can be of any size and can now include people who are shielding.
The independent advisory group Sage has been asked to examine if, when and how people might safely be allowed to expand their bubbles.The independent advisory group Sage has been asked to examine if, when and how people might safely be allowed to expand their bubbles.
What are the support bubble rules?What are the support bubble rules?
Support bubbles must be "exclusive". Once in one, you can't switch and start another with a different household.Support bubbles must be "exclusive". Once in one, you can't switch and start another with a different household.
People in each bubble can stay in each other's homes and do not have to socially distance. They count as one household, which means that in England a further household is now allowed to stay overnight with them.People in each bubble can stay in each other's homes and do not have to socially distance. They count as one household, which means that in England a further household is now allowed to stay overnight with them.
Anyone in the bubble contacted as part of England's test and trace programme must stay at home. If they develop coronavirus symptoms, everyone in the bubble must self-isolate.Anyone in the bubble contacted as part of England's test and trace programme must stay at home. If they develop coronavirus symptoms, everyone in the bubble must self-isolate.
There is no limit on how far you can travel in England for your support bubble but local is best, the government says.There is no limit on how far you can travel in England for your support bubble but local is best, the government says.
Bubbles can now be cross-border with Scotland, but not with Wales or Northern Ireland. Bubbles can now be cross-border with Scotland and Wales.
But what if...?But what if...?
Social and family groups are complicated and might not fit bubble rules.Social and family groups are complicated and might not fit bubble rules.
Grandparents:Grandparents:
Single parents:Single parents:
If you are single:If you are single:
You can read the government's guidelines for England in full here.You can read the government's guidelines for England in full here.
What if I don't live alone?What if I don't live alone?
If you don't live on your own, or you are not a single parent whose children are under 18, then you can't join another household.If you don't live on your own, or you are not a single parent whose children are under 18, then you can't join another household.
However, you can, of course, invite someone eligible to join a social bubble with your household.However, you can, of course, invite someone eligible to join a social bubble with your household.
In England, two households or support bubbles can now meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing.In England, two households or support bubbles can now meet indoors and stay overnight - with social distancing.
Otherwise, you must meet people you don't live with outside. The number of people you are allowed to meet depends on where in the UK you live.Otherwise, you must meet people you don't live with outside. The number of people you are allowed to meet depends on where in the UK you live.
Northern Ireland says up to six people can meet indoors, with some social distancing.Northern Ireland says up to six people can meet indoors, with some social distancing.
Why are bubbles needed?Why are bubbles needed?
Basically, when people mix - especially in crowded places - coronavirus can spread.Basically, when people mix - especially in crowded places - coronavirus can spread.
The virus is transmitted by droplets from infected people when they talk, cough and sneeze.The virus is transmitted by droplets from infected people when they talk, cough and sneeze.
These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.These can enter the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, either directly or after touching a contaminated object.
That's why people have been asked to maintain social distancing when meeting anyone not from their household.That's why people have been asked to maintain social distancing when meeting anyone not from their household.
Bubbles allow some people more contact with others, while keeping other social distancing measures in place.Bubbles allow some people more contact with others, while keeping other social distancing measures in place.
Who will be in your social bubble? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Who will be in your social bubble? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist.Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist.
Or use the form below:Or use the form below: