Who can you see and what can you do?

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Adults living alone or single parents living with children under the age of 18.

WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO UNDER NEW RULES?

They can form a social ‘bubble’ with one other household. That means they can visit each other in their homes, including staying overnight. They will not have to observe the two-metre social-distancing rule and will be able to hug.

HOW MANY BRITONS ARE AFFECTED?

Official figures suggest there are 8.2 million people living alone, plus another 2.9 million single parents. However, more than two million people who are shielding will be advised not to take part.

CAN PEOPLE SEE THEIR GRANDCHILDREN?

Older people who live alone will be able to form a ‘bubble’ with one child and any other members of their household, including grandchildren. Older couples may be able to see their grandchildren if they are in a single-parent family. Others will have to wait.

CAN COUPLES LIVING APART NOW MEET?

Yes. The move will end the socalled ‘sex ban’ for some couples living apart, provided at least one of them lives alone.

WHO ELSE MIGHT BE COVERED?

Any single person can form a ‘bubble’ with any household. So two friends could decide to get together.

CAN YOU CHOP AND CHANGE WHO YOU SEE?

No. Two households that have formed a bubble together must keep the arrangement exclusive to avoid increased risk of spreading the virus.

WHAT ABOUT PARENTS WHO SHARE CUSTODY?

These families will be an exception. Because children are already allowed to move between parents, both households will be allowed to form separate bubbles.

DO YOU REGISTER YOUR ARRANGEMENTS?

No. The system will operate on trust. No 10 says the public has shown ‘great responsibility’ in following the social distancing rules so far and will not want to risk spreading the virus.

WHAT IF SOMEONE DEVELOPS SYMPTOMS?

Because the members of a bubble are treated as one household they would all have to isolate for 14 days.