Those which do not fit the criteria must wait until stage one of the new exit from lockdown framework has started, when two households will be able to form a social bubble.
As with the 2020 lockdown, once two households have bubbled, this must remain the case until further announcements to avoid contact between households.
Eligible households for an immediate support bubble include those with:
Only one adult living alone or living alone with any children under the age of 18;
Only one adult carer and any other household member has a disability requiring continuous care;
A child aged under one, regardless of how many other adults are in the household;
A child aged under five with a disability requiring continuous care (regardless of how many other adults are in the household; or
An individual who needs to move to another household for physical and mental wellbeing.
‘It’s focusing on a specific need that has been raised to us, that there are specific groups of individuals who would benefit from earlier support,’ said Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health.
‘That’s why we brought in the concept of support bubbles.’
Stage one will not start before 18 February at the earliest, pending a review by the Civil Contingencies Authority.
At that time outdoor gatherings of no more than five people can be expected.
By stage three, a Bailiwick bubble will probably form again, as was enjoyed since last June until the second lockdown on 23 January.
It is unsure when schools will reopen to all students. This will be decided by Education, possibly with a phased approach or classroom bubbles, Dr Brink said.
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