What is a bubble… and can I catch a bus to see a friend?

Q

What is a support bubble and does it mean I can see my grandchildren again?

A

From this weekend, anyone living alone in England – or adults living on their own with children under the age of 18 – can form a ‘support bubble’ with another household of any size.

People in a support bubble are treated as one household.

This means they can move freely between both houses, spend time indoors and can stay overnight.

The measure has been introduced to help combat loneliness in people who may be feeling isolated.

A grandparent living alone could form a support bubble with one other family – perhaps one of their children and any grandchildren living in that same house.

If you are in a support bubble, you do not have to stay two metres apart and you can even hug each other.

However, if anyone in the support bubble develops Covid-19 symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – members of both households must self-isolate.

Q

Can I be in a bubble with two other households?

A.

No. You must only form a bubble with one other household.

This means that if you and your partner both have parents who live alone, you can only pick one of them to form a support bubble with.

This may seem harsh, but it is vital that mixing of households is kept to a minimum, to avoid the spread of the virus.

Once you form a bubble with another house, you are not allowed to switch to a different one.

So pick carefully.

Q

I am shielding. Does this mean I can have my family over too?

A

People who are shielding have been advised not to form support bubbles, as it may increase their risk of coming into contact with the virus.

Currently, it is recommended that people who are shielding stay at home as much as possible and keep visits outside to a minimum.

If you want to go outside, take extra care to stay two metres away from others. You can go outdoors with people you live with. And if you live alone, then you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household.

If possible, this should be the same person each time.

The Government has said it will set out further advice for people who are shielding in the coming days.

Q

I am a healthy 70-year-old. Is it safe for me to go to my son’s barbecue?

A

Not all 70-year-olds are the same. If you are fit, healthy and don’t have underlying health problems which put you at an increased risk of Covid-19, it’s safe to leave your home.

This means you can go to your son’s barbecue, as long as it is outdoors and no more than six people are present.

However, the risk of death or serious illness from Covid-19 does increase with age – even in those without pre-existing health conditions.

So the Government still recommends that older people try to minimise contact with others outside their home as much as possible.

In light of this, it might be sensible to limit your interactions to just a few, close friends or family members.

And remember to always stay apart from people you don’t live with, or those outside of your support bubble, to reduce your risk of exposure.

Q

Am I allowed to use public transport to get to my friend’s house?

A

If possible, you should still avoid using public transport if you can.

So when heading to a park, or visiting family or friends at their homes, try to walk or cycle if you can.

People who need to travel to work can use public transport if they have no other option.

But remember, from Monday, it will be a legal requirement to wear a face covering or cloth mask on any form of public transport.

You will not be allowed to travel if you don’t have one and you could be fined if you don’t – so make sure you are prepared.

Mail on Sunday columnist Dr Ellie Cannon has some useful tips on how best to wear one on Page 57.

You should also avoid sharing a car with anyone outside of your household or support bubble at the moment.

This is because a car is a confined space, where it is practically impossible to maintain social distancing.