With the latest Lockdown advice this January, there may be some confusion over bubbles, their requirements and what it means for families, parents and children. So we’re here to help with all the details you need.
With over 80,000 people testing positive for Covid-19 on 29th December 2020, this lockdown, restrictions are much stricter — however, the good news is that support and childcare bubbles have been given the okay.
But you must meet the requirements to form them.
So, What Are The Requirements For Support Bubbles?
Well, you are eligible if you live by yourself, even if carers visit you to provide support. You’re also eligible if you’re the only adult in your household, who does not need continuous care as a result of a disability.
If your household includes a child with a disability, who requires continuous care and is under the age of five — or who was under the age of five on 2nd December 2020, you’re also okay to be in a bubble.
This also goes for anyone aged 16 or 17, living with others of the same age and without any adults.
The final eligibility is if you are a single adult living with one or more children who are under the age of 18, or were under that age on 12th June 2020.
You must meet one or more of these requirements to form a support bubble.
You are allowed to visit the other household in your bubble, as well as stay overnight — however, you shouldn’t form a support bubble with someone who has formed a support bubble already with another household.
What about Childcare Bubbles?
A childcare bubble is different to a support bubble, and has different eligibility criteria; but being in a support bubble doesn’t stop you from forming one.
You can form a childcare bubble to provide or receive childcare from one other household, if you live with someone under the age of 14.
The government adds on its website: ‘However, you must not meet socially with your childcare bubble, and must avoid seeing members of your childcare and support bubbles at the same time, unless otherwise permitted by gathering limits in your tier.’
If you share custody of a child with someone you don’t live with, your child can move freely between both parents’ households — you don’t need to form a support bubble to do this, and you can still form a support bubble if you are eligible.
What About Those Who Are Vulnerable?
If you’re clinically extremely vulnerable, the government advises to reduce social contacts as much as possible. However, you can maintain an existing support bubble or form a new one as per the guidance if you feel it is essential for your physical or mental health.
Remember that if you are struggling and need to talk, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.
