‘Social bubble’ meetings likely by late June

TWO households will be able to meet outdoors next month under new plans to “increase social contact” being drawn up by the Government.

The new guidelines mean it will be possible to enjoy a picnic in a public space with another family or visit friends in a garden.

However, the rules mean a household can only pick one other group from a separate property to socialise with until lockdown rules are relaxed further.

A source said there would be a “numerical

limit” on how many people can get together, with such gatherings only allowed to take place in the open air and following social distancing rules.

The new guidance, expected in late June, could create challenging decisions for families, who may have to choose which set of parents or grandparents to socialise with.

Plans for greater social contact between friends and family could be made public as early as this week.

Downing Street sources suggested an announcement would be forthcoming following reports that garden parties and barbecues would be allowed by the end of June. The Prime Minis- ter’s official spokesman said: “We will only move forward with proposals if it’s safe to do so.”

It is understood that Sage scientists have been charged with assessing whether people could create a social “bubble” with one other household.

The Government’s 50-page road map out of lockdown suggested that “social bubbles” could be created where households can allocate another household to socialise with.

In Scotland groups of two households will be allowed to gather in people’s gardens from tomorrow.