Support bubbles and childcare bubbles
Adults who live by themselves and single parents with children under 18 living at home in england can join up with one other household to create a support bubble. People providing childcare to a child 14 years or younger can carry on and form a childcare bubble.
What is a support bubble?
A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household (on an exclusive basis). Households within a bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit public places together. This means that you don't need to socially distance from others in your support bubble.
Who can I form support bubble with?
You can form a support bubble with another household of any size if:
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you live by yourself - even if carers visit you to provide support.
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you are the only adult in your household who does not need continuous care as a result of a disability.
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your a single adult living with one or more children who are under the age of 18.
There are some things to consider before you decide to form a support bubble:
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you can travel to and from your support bubble household easily. It is best to avoid public transport where possible, therefore it may be easier to form a support bubble with a household who are local to you.
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the more people you spend time with, the higher the risk of infection of coronavirus.
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before you form your support bubble, think about risks to your health. For example is there anyone in certain households more exposed to the virus such as healthcare workers?
I'm over 70, can I form a support bubble?
You are able to form a support bubble no matter your age.
However, we know that people aged 70 and over are at greater risk from coronavirus so you may want to take extra care. People also within your support bubble should think about taking extra precautions such as staying 2m from others, washing hands regulary and wearing a face mask wear possible.
What happens if someone within my support bubble has test positive or has symptoms of coronavirus?
If anyone in your support bubble develops symptoms of coronavirus or tests positive then everyone in the bubble will need to self-isolate.
What is a childcare bubble?
A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to anyone under the age of 14. Informal childcare means it is unpaid and unregistered. You can only have one childcare bubble with one other household. Members of either household can provide childcare in a home or a public place, and also includes overnight care.