What are social bubbles and how many people can meet together?
BORIS Johnson announced additional "social support bubbles" on June 10 after expressing concern for Brits who live alone and are "struggling".
But what are social "bubbles"? And what are the restrictions around social gatherings?
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What is a social bubble?
In May, Boris Johnson described one social "bubble" as the household that you live in.
These are the people who you live with and come into contact with every day.
In a 50-page document, published on May 11, the PM laid out his vision on the steps that were necessary to take in order for lockdown to end.
In it, he discussed the idea of social "bubbles" which were based on the New Zeland model of household "bubbles".
In the lockdown roadmap document, it said: "The intention of this change would be to allow those who are isolated, some more social contact and to reduce the most harmful effects of the current social restrictions while continuing to limit the risks of chains of transmission.
“It would also support some families to return to work by, for example, allowing two households to share childcare.
How many people will be able to meet together?
In the daily press briefing on May 25, Boris Johnson said the country was heading into "step two" of his plan to get the country moving again.
By May 28, the prime minister confirmed that people of Britain can meet in groups of six people as long as they're outdoors and maintaining social distancing.
On June 10 the Prime Minister revealed a new plan for single people living alone.
The rule means people living alone since lockdown are to join another household.
They will be allowed to hug, go into each other's homes, stay overnight, move in together (if they wish), go on holiday together, and travel freely between homes.
On June 10, Mr Johnson said: "There are too many people, particularly those who live by themselves who are lonely and struggling with being unable to see friends and family.
"From this weekend we will allow single adult households, living alone, or single parents with children under 18, to form a support bubble with one other household."
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What are the current restrictions?
Social restrictions can vary depending on what area you live in.
The general guide outlines that you should NOT:
- socialise indoors in groups of more than two households (anyone in your support bubble counts as one household) – this includes when dining out or going to the pub
- socialise outdoors in a group of more than six people from different households; gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is from exclusively from two households or support bubbles
- interact socially with anyone outside the group you are attending a place with, even if you see other people you know, for example, in a restaurant, community centre or place of worship
- hold or attend celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing and avoid close social interaction – even if they are organised by businesses and venues that are taking steps to follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines
- stay overnight away from your home with members of more than one other household (your support bubble counts as one household)
- gather with more than 30 people in private homes (including gardens)
- gather with more than 30 people at weddings, civil partnerships, or funerals